Hope Again follows the journey of a newly divorced mother, Darla (Denise Morris) and her three teen daughters Kayla, Megan, and Caitlyn (Summer, Brooklyn, and Cassidy Morris) as they start over, building new lives in a new town and school. Because they were rejected by their previous church for being divorced, Darla is not excited to embrace a new church body, and she reluctantly agrees to allow her daughters to attend youth group where they connect with new friends.
As life unfolds, and each person deals with their trauma in their own way, they learn that life goes on, and that God forgives and is ever-present in the midst of trying circumstances. Typical teen angst is displayed throughout, as the girls banter with one another and their new friends over local drama, but more than not, they support each other through prayer and patience. One jealous friend TPs the house of the girls, but grace is shown and reconciliation occurs.
The topic of judgment and dysfunction within a church body is handled openly but sensitively, as the adults come to terms with choices they have made and forgiveness and peace is realized.
A family friendly film, albeit with more adult themes, Hope Again models right Christian behavior to hurting people, conveying the heart of God through acceptance, love, and affirmation. Darla learns, along with her girls, about healthy ways to manage your feelings, especially when hurt, and the attributes of loving community with the assurance that God will never leave you abounds.
The Dove Take
Hope Again is a must see for families and communities, who wish to serve and support one another more fully in life’s trials.