Here is a movie that deals with a nationwide problem, and that is the problem of violent shootings at schools, where a lone gunman or, in this case, a teen girl, goes on a rampage and takes innocent lives. The fact that a young teen girl in class named Naomi (Alexa Andrasik) witnesses to her classmates about God’s redemption plan through Christ becomes even more significant as the story continues.
The movie opens with an onscreen warning: “This movie contains strong subject matter: viewer discretion is advised.” Also, a passage from Proverbs 6:6-19 is shared: “These six things doth the Lord hate: Yea, seven are an abomination unto him: a proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood. A heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.”
A girl with flowers visits a cemetery and stops at a headstone that reads: “Elizabeth Marie Donovan, March 19, 2011-September 12, 2025. Her spirit dances in the stars.” The girl tells Marie it’s been a while and she thinks people are healing and that people want stronger gun laws. She mentions support groups and that Marie shouldn’t have had to take the bullet for her. She says she would do anything to go back, and to trade places with her. Later, we learn that this young lady at the grave is named Olivia (Kera Kerr) and was a girl that was influenced by Marie’s sacrifice. Olivia hears the gunshots in her head, Marie’s screams, and the screams of others as well. Then the movie shifts back to the previous year and the events that led up to the tragedy at Martinez school. We learn Marie’s dad has passed and she tells her mother they have to move forward. Her mom fears for her safety as Marie gets out of the car to head into the school. She feels Marie is all she has left.
Two girls are smoking outside the school doors, and a girl witnesses to them, saying that if God had wanted them to smoke, He would have made them a chimney. In one class it’s mentioned that 17 students were killed at a school, and a discussion takes place about going to Heaven when one dies. A student named Naomi tells her classmates that the Bible teaches that man needs God.
At a student named Lori’s home, she eyes the rifle on the wall. Her grandmother has fallen asleep with a Bible on her lap. Lori (Caylee Johnson) was expelled from school after getting into a fight with a boy. She tells her grandmother she wants to take the gun out to the woods to practice shooting. “What do you think Grandpa would say?” asks her grandmother, clearly making the point that he wouldn’t approve. Later, her grandmother notices the gun is missing. She becomes worried. We see in a flashback Lori had recently spoken to the school counselor, Denise Collins (Laura Beth Berry), telling her that she feels like a dark cloud is hanging over her. Laura Beth Berry is quite good as the compassionate counselor.
As Naomi and Olivia and their classmates continue their discussion on God, Naomi is asked why God would put someone in Hell. “You literally have to trip over the cross to go there,” Naomi replies, making it clear that everyone has a choice to avoid that destination by trusting in Christ’s redemption plan which was won at the cross on Mount Calvary.
The shooting soon begins as Lori shoots her first student and then goes on from there. We see bodies laying on the ground, with blood on them. We see Marie’s body, with blood soaking her “Be Kind” T-shirt.
These scenes go on longer than some viewers will be able to endure watching or feel comfortable viewing. Lori tricks some students who are hiding inside a room with a locked door, into opening the door, stating she is a hurt student who has been shot. She then proceeds to shoot them when the innocent and compassionate students open the door. She soon repeats this behavior. We are shown a scene of a young man with hands clasped, praying.
The bodies add up, while reporters head to the school and wait on the police and ambulances to show up. Panic spreads as some students remind each other of the shooter drills they recently had. The school is on lockdown, waiting for help and security to arrive. The movie is suspenseful with powerful music, but the shooting scenes are difficult to watch. Despite the seriousness of the subject, the movie manages to include one humorous scene when a reporter tells her fellow reporter she has to apologize to a supervisor about something. “You’re a news reporter,” he says, “Just issue a retraction!”
The school counselor, Denise, confronts Lori in the hallway, saying she knows she’s having a bad day (understatement) but she shows her compassion. Lori feels she is going to be killed by police and Denise offers to go outside with her to meet them. We won’t give the ending away but as parents wait for their surviving children to come out of the school, it is a powerful and dramatic moment in the film. The acting works for the most part, but there are a few actors that stumble a bit over their lines. Yet this movie is more about the message than it is about being a well-polished picture.
Content Analysis: The film incorporates a strong Christian worldview, and that people need to be ready to meet their maker. It also focuses on the choices people make—it’s pointed out that Cain only had a stone but used it to kill his brother, Abel. People use various things to sin or hate but the problem is what is in their heart, which only Christ can change.
Think About It: Discussions can take place about the gun violence and other sorts of violence that takes place around us. The focus on prayer and being a godly example are good topics worth exploring. Discussions on what to do when someone is angry or disappointed is worth exploring.
The Dove Take: This movie has a powerful and relevant theme for today’s world. The powerful music and suspense are present but due to the violent subject matter, it is not a picture for everyone. We are awarding it our Dove Seal for Ages 12+, with a warning that parents should closely examine our content listing below to make their own informed decisions about their kids watching it.
