#joyce smith

- had an unknown fate in the prime dimensions after the whole universe turned cronenbreg (like did they die? Since they probably didn't turn into one)

- had their son replaced by another version of him in the Jerryboree episode. And they didn't even know.

- said son come back 4 seasons later and then they fucking die.

- Jerry change his parents like three times. And replaced their dead son like 2 times (In his defense, he has no control over that)

And while all these happened. They are completely clueless about it 😭 (not to mention Jerry didn't even speak about it lol)

"ELEANORE! Oh my GOODNESS! Look! We're TWINS!" 

Like all faith-based films, Breakthrough is meant for a certain crowd. At its worst, it’s preachy and predictable but the rest of the time, it’s surprisingly emotional thanks to a strong performance by Chrissy Metz.

John Smith (Marcel Ruiz) is playing on a frozen lake with his friends when the ice gives and he falls through. Brought to the hospital by an emergency team 45 minutes later, the doctors do not believe he'll wake from his coma. His adoptive father, Brian (Josh Lucas) prepares for the worst, while his mother, Joyce (Metz) insists their faith will pull them through this ordeal.

Films like God’s Not Dead and Let There Be Light have created this impression that all films centered on telling feel-good or inspirational stories about people of faith in modern America are hammy and tone-deaf. There are few of these Bible-pics I’d rank as "good" so you can understand why this one came as a shock. First of all, this story works even without the God stuff. John struggles with his feelings of abandonment. He rebels against the parents who love him. After parting on not-so-good terms, he is hospitalized. You might’ve seen that sorta thing before, but it’s nonetheless effective. It's nearly impossible to relate to the mother who wants to believe, despite everything, that her son will return.

What sells this film above all are the performances. Chrissy Metz is so good as Joyce. There’s depth and nuance in her character both as a mother and as a woman who believes heaven can save her son. There are nice moments between her and her new hip pastor (Topher Grace), whom she butts heads with. Also between her and her husband. You feel her love, her panic, and exasperation at this situation she has no power over. I was astonished to find myself tearing up in the most dramatic scenes and the ending, which actually addresses a big question people of faith would have after this ordeal is well-handled.

Primarily known for her television work, director Roxann Dawson presents this story (based on true events) with a steady hand and uses the natural emotions well. There are a couple of moments where Breakthrough lacks subtlety. Considering the caliber of the performances, this is a disappointment - I think it would’ve benefited greatly from dialing it down and giving us more food for thought. Still, in its league, this is dynamite stuff, miles ahead of the phoniness of War Room and its kin.

If you like these religious films, I absolutely recommend Breakthrough to you. I can’t think of any hardcore church-goer who wouldn't enjoy it. Even if you’re only mildly religious, I think you’ll appreciate this a great deal thanks to an excellent dramatic turn by Chrissy Metz. (Theatrical version on the big screen, April 29, 2019)