Greater

As GREATER begins, preparations are underway for the memorial service of young Brandon Burlsworth (newcomer Chris Severio), beloved son, brother, teammate, and friend to what appears to be the entire town of Harrison, Ark. His much-older brother, Marty (Neal McDonough, in an affecting, solid performance) is struggling with his faith in the aftermath of the tragedy. As Marty attempts to understand why his extraordinary brother's life was cut short, he remembers the arc of Brandon's life from the age of 12 on. Raised by a poor but dedicated single mom and estranged from his alcoholic dad, Brandon is an awkward, overweight boy with dreams that seem out of his reach. But even as a boy, Brandon's faith in both himself and his religion never waver. Neither does his ability to commit to whatever task or goal is set before him. Over the next decade -- converting even the most skeptical coaches and teammates, as well as his brother -- Brandon transforms himself into an impressively good offensive guard on both his high school and college football teams. As a walk-on at the University of Arkansas, Brandon's efforts earn him both a place on the school's NCAA top-ranked team and a scholarship. He excels, earning the respect and devotion of others, many of whom become better people because of him. Then, after years of astonishing but well-deserved success (including receiving both bachelor's and master's degrees while a student at the university, a feat never before achieved at the college by a football player) -- and only weeks after being drafted by the NFL's Indianapolis Colts -- his life is accidentally and tragically ended.