Faith-based movies have been shedding their hackneyed and corny leanings over the last few years. The quality gulf between Cabrini over Risen is immediately evident just by looking at the cinematography and lighting. As such, there’s no longer a reason to write off these typically independently produced films instantly. So, where does Faith Of Angels, written and directed by Garrett Batty, on the wide-ranging spectrum of faith-based productions?
Terry (Kirby Heyborne) and his 10-year-old son Josh (Michael Bradford) are heading out to Hidden Treasure Mine in Utah with a group of friends. At the same time, miles and miles away, a man named John (John Michael Finley) is out fishing, trying to find inspiration for his book, which is about the aforementioned mine. But in the middle of his vacation, the Mormon man has a feeling that he needs to return home. Well, John’s feeling turns out to be accurate, as his knowledge of the Hidden Treasure Mine is needed as Josh has gone missing. However, upon arriving and offering his expertise, Sheriff Proctor (Cameron Arnett) rebuffs John. Unfortunately for the lawman, the experts and deputies are having no luck, and time is running out, as is the hope. Can anyone find Josh before it is too late? What caused John to have that gut feeling and leave vacation early? Will that same sensation lead him to the lost boy?
Faith Of Angels is an engaging drama that works more often than not. For starters, the cast is uniformly strong. Heyborne sells the danger he’s in very well. The angels referenced in the title come from what young Josh sees as he’s trapped in the mine. The actor makes these visions feel natural as well. Bradford is genuinely desperate and anguished over his on-screen son missing. While the refusal to utilize John does not totally work, Arnett is convincing, overwhelmed, and sweet. But it’s Finley who is the showstopper. He makes the Heavenly conduit angle very believable. His need to help, his passion for others, and his interactions with Arnett come across as truthful and stemming from this character in this situation. He’s a natural with charisma to spare.
“…his knowledge of the Hidden Treasure Mine is needed as Josh has gone missing.”
The score, by Robert Allen Elliott, is a standout. It effectively conveys the sense of danger and hope that permeates the film, particularly in the scenes where rescue teams call out Josh’s name. The cinematography, while generally flat, effectively captures a sense of claustrophobia in the cave sequences.
However, Faith Of Angels does have a few problems. The pace is off during the first act, as things go from very slow to the boy being lost so quickly that it is jarring. If that is intentional, to put audiences into the headspace of Terry or the others present, it does not quite work. However, the biggest issue is Sheriff Proctor’s refusal to utilize John’s skill set. It would make more sense if law enforcement hadn’t gone to his place before John got home, seeking his help; specifically, they were after the detailed maps he has, as John’s grandpa explored the mines. But if those are John’s maps, and everyone in town knows of his love and knowledge of the Hidden Treasure Mine, wouldn’t he be considered the expert on the locale? It does not quite add up, making some of the dramatic moments feel more forced than anything else.
Despite its flaws, Faith Of Angels is an engaging and uplifting drama based on a real-life event. The cast is not just terrific, but their characterizations are so well done that you feel a deep connection to their journey. The score is fantastic, immediately putting all watching into the proper mind frame to absorb the drama and message. The use of God and divine intervention doesn’t feel so fanciful as to break the created reality.
"…engaging and uplifting..."
