Breakthrough, directed by Roxann Dawson (The Americans) and written by Grant Nieporte (Seven Pounds) tells the true-life story of John Smith and his miraculous revival and recovery after being dead for nearly an hour.
John Smith (Marcel Ruiz), the adopted son of Brian (Josh Lucas) and Joyce Smith (Chrissy Metz) is an average teenager. He loves playing basketball, hanging out with his friends, and testing the patience of his parents. In typical teenage fashion, he and two friends think they are invulnerable and go out on frozen Lake Sainte Louise. Unfortunately, the ice gives way under them. Rescuers manage to save his friends, but John stays under the ice for 15 minutes and remains without a pulse or any functions for an additional 40 minutes.
It is only when his mother is praying for a miracle that a pulse appears, this after she is told to say her goodbyes. Still, physicians are certain John's troubles are far from over. What ensues is two weeks that even the doctors believe are miraculous.
The true story, despite its seemingly unbelievable elements, rarely wanders from engaging viewers. Much of this is because the filmmakers seldom take obvious liberties with what has been reported about the 2015 event. There are a few moments that stretch the imagination and seem out of place, but for the most part, the script is solid. Unlike many films with a religious purport, Breakthrough doesn't often get preachy or pushy with its message.
Metz delivers a strong performance with a few stumbles along the way. Her greatest strength is her capability of presenting real emotion in the most poignant scenes. Her slip-ups, as well as the supporting cast's, seem to be because of an attempt to play particular traits of the real-life people, and the film would have been better served if these remained underplayed. Most notable of these is That 70s Show's Topher Grace as Pastor Jason Noble. He seems tentative and unsure before, during, and after the tragedy.
The most surprising technical element for a film of this type is the exceptional use of lighting, combined with inspired cinematography. The craftsmen use light and shadow to convey importance and focus the viewers' attention in a particular way. These also contribute to the overall down-to-earth and straightforward tale.
Overall, Breakthrough's message of hope in the face of utter hopelessness is uplifting and inspirational. Most fans of positive-message dramas will find something to love here, and fans of faith-based films will enjoy the refreshingly unobtrusive story as well.