Common Sense Media Review
By Christie Cronan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Mature themes, fire injuries in faith-based heroism biopic.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Faith in the Flames: The Nichole Jolly Story
What's the Story?
Inspired by the true events during the 2018 Paradise, California wildfire, FAITH IN THE FLAMES: THE NICHOLE JOLLY STORY follows nurse Nichole Jolly (Chrissy Metz) and her heroism as she risks her own life to evacuate her town, rescue patients, and save her family from devastation.
Is It Any Good?
Unfortunately for Faith in the Flames: The Nichole Jolly Story, the only thing catastrophic about this wildfire film is the acting. Based-on-true-events heroism is certainly worth examining and celebrating. But this Lifetime TV Production starring the talented and award-nominated Chrissy Metz misses the mark. Her performance is underwhelming at best, with her supporting cast not helping her cause.
The only flicker of light is the praise to the real heroes, the emergency response workers. The slow and confusing story is as long and drawn out as the film's title. The faith message collapses beneath the ash. Regrettably, this disappointing film is unable to truly capture the magnitude of the 2018 Paradise, California fire's devastation and the effect this natural disaster still has on lives today.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the reason why this film was titled "Faith in the Flames." What does faith mean in this movie? How was Nichole's faith affected when she was in the midst of the wildfire? How was her faith affected after?
This film is based on real events of the 2018 Paradise, California wildfire. What do you think this movie teaches us about real firefighters, nurses, doctors, and helpers during natural disasters? Why does telling their stories matter?
After watching this film, what is something that you could tell a friend who has survived a natural disaster and is experiencing hard times?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : July 19, 2025
- Cast : Chrissy Metz , Colin Moss , Max Botha
- Director : Jozua Malherbe
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Lifetime Television
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Adventures , Faith ( Christianity ) , Family Stories ( Moms ) , History ( Biopic )
- Run time : 87 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : February 3, 2026
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