“Generational Sins” is a film that brings us along a very real journey of childhood pain and the anger that takes hold when we carry that pain for a lifetime. The characters are broken, reckless, and wrenchingly authentic, and so many of us will connect with these people through our own experiences. But be warned: the story is filled with strong language and tension, and isn’t for people who are sensitive to those things, even with the strong faith message.
We’re brought into Drew Caldwell’s life, acted artfully by Daniel MacPherson, as he honors his sweet and strong mother on her deathbed. Their conversation sets the stage for a journey that will escort us through the memories of extreme hurt and patterns of ugliness that shaped Drew and, by association, his brother Will. As adults, these men have allowed their pain and ignorance to justify all kinds of super-selfish behavior—and we see a lot of it. But that’s what makes this film powerful. I have spent a great deal of my life with people a lot like those in Drew’s hometown.
This is a film as much for a secular audience that is set in their rejection of church as it is for those of us who’ve walked those pathways and now share in the freedom of forgiveness. “Generational Sins” is well told, well acted, and writer/director Spencer Folmar pulls no punches. But God is glorified, and the spiritual leadership in the film is of high integrity and plays a significant, positive role. And after this film walks us through the agony of a son desperately seeking relief from his burden of anger, we are overwhelmed with hope, redemption and promise. God is present and active in this world of generational sins.
We appreciate the filmmakers intent to tell a real story. “Generational Sins” is a Dove-Approved film for the 18-plus audience because of its mature content and its powerful faith message.
NOTE: Dove is introducing our new content grid that will demonstrate the faith and integrity content in films. At this writing, our website isn’t quite ready, but “Generational Sins” is the first recipient of this new seal. The 18-plus designation is similar to the former “Faith Based with Caution” seal, but with a new focus. The Dove-Approved 18-plus represents films that have overt content where God’s love and the salvation of the cross are the central messages in a film that also has more mature content.