Common Sense Media Review
By Monique Jones
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Emotional drama about fostering kids has intense moments.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot
What's the Story?
SOUND OF HOPE: THE STORY OF POSSUM TROT centers on Donna Martin (Nika King), who loses her mother in 1996 and is overcome with grief. Two years later and still dealing with depression as a result of the loss, Donna's prayer to God leads her to the decision to—through fostering and adoption—follow in the footsteps of her mother, who raised 18 children on her own. Donna's decision soon affects her husband, Reverend WC Martin (Demetrius Grosse), and their entire town of Possum Trot, Texas.
Is It Any Good?
This fact-based drama does more than what many people have come to expect from stereotypical faith-based films. The characters in Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot experience deep grief, high elation, and every emotion in between. And the movie doesn't shy away from showing the messier side of adopting children who've suffered mental and physical trauma. This adds humanity to its message by showing that just because you're doing a "good deed" doesn't mean it will be easy to accomplish—or that you'll be perfect at it. Donna, WC, and the other Possum Trot parents aren't perfect—no parent is—but the film shows how, despite their mistakes, good parents will give their children unconditional love and support, as well as the emotional care they need to flourish.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Sound of Hope's message about children in the foster care system. Is it urging action? If so, what kind?
What role does race play in the film? Did you notice positive diverse representations?
How do the people in the movie demonstrate character strengths like compassion and humility?
How did grief affect Donna's life? What prompted her decision to adopt? How do she and the people of Possum Trot affect their community through adoption?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 4, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : August 19, 2024
- Cast : Nika King , Demetrius Grosse , Diaana Babnicova , Elizabeth Mitchell
- Director : Joshua Weigel
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Angel Studios
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Activism , Faith ( Christianity )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Empathy , Gratitude , Humility , Integrity , Perseverance
- Run time : 138 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic material involving child abuse, some violence, language and brief suggestive material
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : February 4, 2026
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate