Indivisible is a hard-hitting yet inspiring drama, realistically portraying the torment that an army chaplain goes through while serving in Iraq. The fact that this film is based on true events makes it even more remarkable. Darren Turner (Justin Bruening) and his wife Heather (Sarah Drew) have an ideal marriage, along with three kids. Turner is excited to serve in Iraq and doesn’t understand when his new neighbor, Michael, just back from deployment, shows distance and anger toward his wife. However, soon enough Turner’s own marriage will be tested when Turner finds himself facing near-death experiences and witnessing the deaths of those around him. And a defining moment occurs when he holds a young girl’s dead body in his hands. A soldier, Lance Bradley, asks him for a scripture to explain it. Turner’s faith is severely tested, and yet he inspires several soldiers to seek the Lord. He also inspires his neighbor, Michael, who is deployed with him, to finally call home and to speak with his wife. And by leaving free snacks on his desk, Turner draws in Lance and opens up a discussion about God. When he hands Lance a Bible, Lance takes it, but only because, he says, he likes “free stuff.” However, Lance is undeniably impacted by Chaplain Turner’s example and caring attitude.
This film does a tremendous job in contrasting the young, innocent couple, Darren and Heather, before deployment, and showing them after Darren returns home as a couple that needs to heal and restore their trust and ability to confide in one another. Darren is a man that is crushed, and, as Michael previously was, angry and distant. Turner had baptized a man the very day the man died. How could God allow this to happen? What he learns later is comforting but the road back will not be an easy. one. The film does a tremendous job in portraying what the wives and family left behind go through, and how the absence of the loved one is an unbelievable strain on them as well.
For those who have ever questioned the goodness of God or have undergone a life-shattering experience, this inspiring film makes it clear that God is able to restore, heal, and to bind up wounds. This movie has earned our Dove Seal for Ages 12+.
The Dove Take
This is a powerful film, incorporating fine acting, appropriate music, good writing and storytelling. It offers the hope of God’s restoration for every and all situations.
