Breakthrough

Director: Roxann Dawson Roxann Dawson

Overview

Based on a true story, this biographical drama directed by Roxann Dawson follows the incident of 14-year-old John Smith (Marcel Ruiz,) who falls into a frozen Missouri lake after playing on it with friends. Now unconscious in a hospital bed, John's adoptive parents fret about his chances of survival. But his mother Joyce Smith (Chrissy Metz) won't give up hope and pours all her efforts and prayers into bringing her son back, as she asks God for a miracle.

Product Details

Release Date:	07/16/2019
UPC:	0024543629085
Original Release:	2019
Rating:	PG
Source:	BUENA VISTA HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Region Code:	1
Presentation:	[Wide Screen]
Sound:	[Dolby Digital Stereo, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround]
Language:	English
Time:	1:56:00
Sales rank:	11,313

Special Features

Closed Caption; A tapestry of miracles: making Breakthrough; "Carry My Soul" Phil Wickham deleted scene; Trapped in icy waters; Audio commentary by DeVon Franklin and Roxann Dawson; Gallery

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Marcel Ruiz	Actor
Topher Grace	Actor
Sarah Constible	Actor
Marcelo Zarvos	Composer
Chrissy Metz	Joyce Smith
Josh Lucas	Brian Smith
Mike Colter	Tommy Shine
Dennis Haysbert	le docteur
Rebecca Staab	Cindy Reiger
Sam Trammell	Actor
Victor Zinck Jr.	Actor
Lisa Durupt	Actor
Stephanie Czajkowski	Actor
Nancy Sorel	Actor
Isaac Kragten	Actor
Chuck Shamata	Actor
Kristen Harris	Kay Quinn
Taylor Mosby	Chayla
Nikolas Dukic	Reiger
Callie Lane	Daughter
Stephanie Sy	ER Receptionist
Maddy Martin	Abby Sutterer
Lauren Cochrane	Nurse Wendy Hof
Kate Yacula	Assistant Maddy
Logan Creran	Luke Noble
Jason Wishnowski	Cop #1
Alicia Johnston	Mrs. Sutterer
Alissa Skovbye	Actor
Travis Bryant	Jonah
Jordan Kronis	Chad
Scott Johnson	Keith
Jay Koensgen	Recruit

Technical Credits

Joyce Smith

Grant Nieporte

Roxann Dawson	Director
Joyce Smith	Screenwriter
DeVon Franklin	Producer
Grant Nieporte	Screenwriter
Becki Cross Trujillo	Executive Producer,Producer
Stephen Curry	Executive Producer
Samuel Rodriguez	Executive Producer
Bj Verot	Stunts
Justine Hempe	Casting

Editorial Reviews

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.