Beyond the Farthest Star
By Renee Longstreet,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Faith-based family redemption story with mature themes.
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What you will—and won't—find in this movie.
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Beyond the Farthest Star
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Based on 2 parent reviews
Amazing moving movie!
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Foregiveness
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What's the Story?
The Wells family is teetering on the brink of disaster in BEYOND THE FARTHEST STAR. Pastor Adam (Todd Terry), his wife Maurene (Renee O'Connor), and their teen daughter Anne (Cherami Leigh) have arrived in Leonard, a small Texas town, after several unsuccessful church assignments. Adam's tenure in the new church is immediately threatened when John Cutter (Andrew Prine), the husband of one of his congregants, rages about his wife's newly kindled faith and sets fire to the creche displayed on the property. Forcing a criminal action, Adam becomes the target of Cutter's (and indirectly, the town's) wrath. Cutter, a formidable ex-Senator, brings the national media and a civil rights lawyer to Leonard. This act serves only to worsen the deteriorating relationships in the Wells family. Anne inhabits a dark world; her attitude, her writings, and her self-destructive behavior indicate she's desperately unhappy. Adam and Maurene simply can't give up hope that this last-hope move may make things better. But it doesn't. Things go from bad to worse, especially between Anne and Adam. The arrival of one of Adam's and Maurene's old schoolmates, Anne's formation of a teen band, the jealousy of a brutalized young man, and Adam's escalating notoriety all serve to complicate the lives of these damaged souls.
Is It Any Good?
Earnest, competent, and with fine performances, this religious drama primarily about family dissension and emotional disorders gets bogged down simply by too many subsidiary themes and plotlines. Subplots included or at least touched upon are: civil liberties and the boundaries of the church, a teen romance, murder, a young girl's mental issues ("cutting," attempted suicide), a brutalizing alcoholic parent, and the possible rekindling of an old affair. Add to that flashbacks of a leading character's difficult childhood, along with a shady connection between two seemingly unrelated characters, and Beyond the Farthest Star simply can't provide the depth and attention that's necessary. A prime example of that is a reference to the teen's medical diagnosis and subsequent treatment; it just isn't enough. Still, for folks who like movies with strong messages about facing up to one's mistakes, the value of honest communication, and faith-assisted redemption, this show will find an audience.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the overall mood and tone of Beyond the Farthest Star. What filmmaking techniques (i.e., lighting, music, etc.) did the director and his team use to create the atmosphere they wanted?
What is the meaning of the term "one-dimensional" as it relates to a character? Which of the characters in this film are one-dimensional? Which are played with depth? Why are complex characters more interesting?
Anne Wells is a very troubled teen. What was there about her that attracted Stephen? Did the filmmakers do a good job of showing enough of Anne's "lovability" to explain his interest? Why is it important in movies (or stories, in general) for audiences to understand why characters fall in love with one another?
Movie Details
- In theaters: August 10, 2015
- On DVD or streaming: December 5, 2017
- Cast: Renee O'Connor, Todd Terry, Cherami Leigh
- Director: Andrew William Librizzi
- Studio: Pathlight Entertainment
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: High School
- Run time: 119 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG-13
- MPAA explanation: mature thematic material, some violence and smoking
- Last updated: April 7, 2023
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