The title of this film, On the Edge of Freedom, is a perfect title as it deals with a young man, Kai Green (nicely portrayed by Liam O’Brien), who is bound by drugs but not far from freedom. If he just chooses to include God in his life, he can be freed from the bondage of drugs and find purpose in his life.
The film is graphic with the drug use in the beginning, as it shows Kai with cocaine and then sniffing it up his nose, and his reaction to it. Another young man sniffs it up his nose too. There is drinking too as well as a character smoking a cigar. Later, Kai is pulled over by the police while driving. The officer says he smells alcohol on him and so he faces a judge and possible jail time. The judge mentions that Kai had “molly” in his system, also known as “ecstasy.”
The judge declares that Kai had alcohol in his system as well as in his friend’s system, who happens to be a minor. His attorney, played by Jay Stratton, wants him to go to a rehab place he knows of that he believes will help Kai. This, despite the fact he could have fought for probation and community service for Kai. But he believes rehab at a certain unique place is Kai’s only hope for a real future.
Kai, a budding actor, is frustrated that he hasn’t been on an audition in months. But his lawyer says that if he doesn’t go to rehab he won’t stick out his neck for him again. So, reluctantly, Kai accepts it.
We see scenes of Kai on the road, heading to this rehab ranch in Texas. He meets a man wearing a cowboy hat, who claims that the same attorney helped him years ago too, but “I still went to jail.” He speaks of the importance of “doing this now” to get Kai’s life straight. Kai says, “I stay clean, do some chores, something like that?” He’s told he won’t leave before his time is up, or before he completes the task that this certain rehab place requires. He tells him he must do certain chores every day and they will be checked at the end of the day to make sure they’re completed. “Understand?” he asks. “Yes, sir,” Kai replies.
Sure enough, Kai is almost awakened by a ringing bell in the morning but when he doesn’t respond, some water is thrown on him. Greg Sestero as Liam wakes him up. Kai tells him he just wants to reconnect with his inner kid when he returns home. Liam tells him he just needs to trust the process, and to trust “HIM,” speaking of God.
Liam uses various methods, including letting Kai take the reigns of the horse, Rusty, to learn how to guide him. In a funny scene, Kai first tries to just pull the horse, and then Liam pulls Kai the same way and asks how he likes it. When Kai makes progress, he tells Liam, “It’s exciting.” “I’m proud of you,” replies Liam. It should be noted that the songs in the film, as performed by The Good Time Ramblers, add a nice touch to the feel of the film. And a few nicely placed light moments add to the film, such as when Liam shows Kai a fishing spot with two poles laying on the bank. “You taking me on a date?” Kai asks jokingly.
There are several scenes of Kai working on his horse training, driving a tractor, chopping wood, mowing the lawn, etc. One scene of him sweeping goes on a bit long but it is probably intended to make a point about the need for patience. Slowly, but surely, we see the changes in Kai as he “goes through the process.” And when we see him pray in church, we know a transformation is taking place.
Content Analysis: The film (nominated for best Screenplay at the Christian Family Film Festival in 2024 and streaming on ExploreFlix) most definitely has a God-driven theme of redemption and the need for God’s help in overcoming addictions and hopelessness. It does, however, show explicit drug use in the beginning, with the scenes of characters using cocaine and drinking. A friend of mine once told me that seeing people on screen using drugs tempts him to go back to his old life, so viewers and parents of potential viewers should keep this in mind. The film makes clear that God’s help is essential in life. Kai, after praying and seeking God, looks much happier and crosses a bridge with a spring in his step, while yelling, “Whoa!” in a happy way.
Think About It: There are great discussion points, if parents decide to allow their kids, 12 or older, to view the film. How can one avoid the temptation to drink heavily, smoke, and use drugs? What are the consequences of these actions. What steps should be taken for someone we know who is bound by one or more of these bondages?
The Dove Take: This film has earned our 18+ Dove Seal, due to some mature themes such as drug use. It does feature a strong redemption theme. Parents should consult the content listing to decide if they want their younger children to view it. Ultimately, the theme of God’s power to help willing hearts shines through.
