The Devout
A story about the power of belief, The Devout follows Darryl Eckford during trying times: his 4-year-old daughter, Abigail, has terminal cancer with weeks to live. Abigail is obsessed with space, and she talks with extraordinary detail of the Apollo 1 space mission. After she admits her former name, Darryl researches the space mission and finds inexplicable coincidences. A devout Christian, Darryl faces a crisis of faith when he begins to believe that his daughter was an astronaut in a former life. This newfound belief instills hope in Darryl, because, if his daughter has lived before, she will live again. He must face his wife, community and his own faith as he seeks out truth, because, if his daughter has lived before, she will live again. Its intriguing story and meticulous direction from Connor Gaston makes The Devout one of the most impressive Canadian independent films of the year.
Insights
Plot Summary
A devoted single father, reeling from the death of his wife, finds himself at odds with his beliefs when he discovers his young daughter is terminally ill. Faced with the impossible, he makes a drastic choice to isolate his family in a remote cabin, hoping to shield his daughter from the harsh realities of her condition and the world. As his desperation grows, he grapples with faith, love, and the lengths he will go to for his child.
Critical Reception
The Devout received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its emotional depth and strong performances, particularly from Molly Parker. The film was noted for its sensitive portrayal of grief and parental love, though some found its pacing deliberate.
What Reviewers Say
- A powerful and moving exploration of a father's love and grief.
- Molly Parker delivers a standout performance as a grieving parent.
- The film's deliberate pace and emotional weight are key to its impact.
Google audience: Audience reviews are not readily available for this film.
Awards & Accolades
Nominated for Best Motion Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay at the 2016 Leo Awards.
Fun Fact
Director Connor Gaston drew inspiration for the film from personal experiences with grief and family.
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