by Rosa Parra
Angel Studios had a successful year with “Sound of Freedom,” and at Cinemacon, they presented their upcoming lineup of new films to release on major holiday weekends. This Fourth of July, they are releasing “Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot,” as a companion to “Sound of Freedom.” “Sound of Hope” explores the lives of rescued children who don’t have families to return to after enduring a horrible situation.
Directed by Joshua Weigel, “Sound of Hope” features Nika King, Demetrius Grosse, Diaana Babnicova, and Elizabeth Mitchell. It’s based on a true story and follows the Martin family’s journey of adopting children, aiming to inspire others to do the same.
The film portrays Reverend Martin (Grosse) and Donna (King), who lead an East Texas church. After a significant loss, Donna seeks solace and a sign from God and decides to adopt children in need. The film depicts the challenges and positive outcomes that come with this decision.
Additionally, Susan Ramsey (Mitchell), a dedicated social worker, tirelessly works to place children in safe homes. She teaches classes that introduce the adoption process to interested families, explaining why some children are in the foster system. Her arduous efforts don’t go unnoticed; she is just the manifestation of so many empathetic social workers who seek to help those in need.
Upon watching the film, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, and I was pleasantly surprised by the overall execution of this story. As someone agnostic, I was slightly concerned about the religious aspect of the movie, fearing that it might be too preachy. However, it made an excellent case for representing one of the optimistic outcomes of religion. It depicted a congregation of people who seek to live by the word of God by helping those in need. It made me think that if every religious group functioned with this mindset, many social problems would be resolved.
By valiantly bringing forward all the shades of parenting, the film depicts a relatable and complex dynamic of a parent and child relationship. This dynamic is further complicated when the child is adopted. The adopting parents are not too aware of what their new child is coming home with (past traumas, PTSD, etc), making it challenging for the parents to bond with their child. I would place a disclaimer with this film since some pictures of children show physically abused, bruising, and scars, and there is some physical child abuse shown. It’s not presented for sensationalism but rather to send a message that isn’t easy to sit with. It is the everyday lives of many kids.
Overall, “Sound of Hope” is a thought-provoking, optimistic, and powerfully moving film spotlighting the foster system and how it can be transformed with the simple act of kindness and giving. This is more than a movie; it’s a movement.
4.5/5