Related Movies:

“I Can Only Imagine,” released in 2018, is a faith-based drama that tells the inspiring true story behind the creation of the best-selling Christian song of all time by the band MercyMe. Directed by the Erwin Brothers (Andrew and Jon Erwin), this biographical film dives into the life of Bart Millard, the lead singer of MercyMe, exploring his tumultuous childhood, his strained relationship with his abusive father, and the journey that led to the creation of a song that resonated with millions. Starring J. Michael Finley as Bart Millard and Dennis Quaid as his father, Arthur, the movie combines emotional storytelling, powerful performances, and a message of forgiveness that appeals to both Christian and mainstream audiences. This 2000-word review will explore the film’s narrative, performances, themes, production quality, and its impact, all while being optimized for SEO to help readers discover this heartfelt cinematic experience.

Overview of “I Can Only Imagine”

“I Can Only Imagine” is more than just a music biopic; it’s a story about redemption, forgiveness, and the transformative power of faith. The film follows Bart Millard’s life, starting from his childhood in Greenville, Texas, where he endures physical and emotional abuse from his father, Arthur. As a young boy, Bart finds solace in music, but his dreams are constantly crushed by his father’s harsh words and actions. When his mother leaves the family, Bart’s relationship with his father deteriorates further, setting the stage for a journey of healing and reconciliation.

As Bart grows older, he discovers his talent for singing and joins a band that eventually becomes MercyMe. However, his past traumas continue to haunt him, affecting his music and relationships. The film builds up to the moment when Bart writes “I Can Only Imagine,” a song inspired by his father’s redemption and his own spiritual journey. With a runtime of 110 minutes, the movie balances emotional depth with moments of humor and hope, making it a compelling watch for those who enjoy inspirational dramas.

Plot Summary: A Story of Pain and Redemption

The narrative of “I Can Only Imagine” is structured around Bart’s life, using flashbacks to provide context for the song’s creation. The film opens with Bart (J. Michael Finley) speaking to Christian music icon Amy Grant (Nicole DuPort), who asks him about the inspiration behind “I Can Only Imagine.” Bart jokingly says he wrote it in 10 minutes, but the film then delves into the lifetime of experiences that shaped the song.

As a child (played by Brody Rose), Bart is imaginative and music-obsessed, but his father, Arthur (Dennis Quaid), is a bitter and abusive man whose own dreams were shattered by a football injury. Arthur’s anger leads to physical and verbal abuse, creating a toxic environment for Bart and his mother, Adele. When Adele leaves, Bart is left to fend for himself under his father’s oppressive rule. At a Christian camp, Bart meets Shannon (played as a child by Taegen Burns and as an adult by Madeline Carroll), who becomes his childhood sweetheart and a source of support.

In high school, Bart tries to win his father’s approval by playing football, but a career-ending injury forces him to join the glee club, where he discovers his singing talent. Encouraged by his teacher, Mrs. Fincher (Priscilla C. Shirer), and his grandmother, Memaw (Cloris Leachman), Bart pursues music despite Arthur’s disapproval. After graduating, Bart leaves home to escape his father and joins a band, which becomes MercyMe. Under the guidance of music producer Scott Brickell (Trace Adkins), the band struggles to find its voice until Bart confronts his past and reconciles with his father, who undergoes a dramatic transformation after a terminal cancer diagnosis.

The film’s climax centers on the creation and performance of “I Can Only Imagine,” a song that captures Bart’s reflections on his father’s redemption and his own faith. The narrative is both linear and cyclical, weaving together moments of pain, hope, and triumph to create a cohesive and emotionally resonant story.

Performances: J. Michael Finley and Dennis Quaid Shine

The performances in “I Can Only Imagine” are a highlight, with J. Michael Finley and Dennis Quaid delivering standout portrayals. Finley, making his feature film debut, brings authenticity and vulnerability to Bart Millard. As a Broadway actor with experience in “Les Misérables,” Finley’s vocal abilities are impeccable, and he sings all of MercyMe’s songs in the film, including the тιтular track. His performance captures Bart’s journey from a wounded child to a determined artist, balancing charisma with emotional depth. While some critics noted that Finley’s stage presence doesn’t fully translate to the screen, his everyman charm makes Bart relatable and engaging.

Dennis Quaid, as Arthur Millard, delivers a career-reviving performance that anchors the film. Quaid portrays Arthur as a complex character—a “monster” in the first half, driven by anger and regret, and a repentant father in the second, seeking forgiveness. Quaid’s ability to shift from menacing to sympathetic is remarkable, making Arthur’s redemption arc believable and moving. His chemistry with Finley adds depth to the father-son dynamic, creating some of the film’s most powerful scenes.

The supporting cast also shines. Madeline Carroll is heartfelt as Shannon, Bart’s patient and loving girlfriend, while Trace Adkins brings warmth and gravitas as Scott Brickell. Cloris Leachman’s brief but memorable role as Memaw adds humor and wisdom, and Nicole DuPort’s portrayal of Amy Grant is a nod to the Christian music community. Together, the ensemble elevates the film, making it more than just a faith-based drama.

Themes: Forgiveness, Faith, and Family

At its core, “I Can Only Imagine” is a story about forgiveness and the healing power of faith. The film explores Bart’s struggle to forgive his father, a process that requires him to confront his pain and let go of resentment. This theme resonates universally, as many viewers can relate to the challenge of forgiving those who have caused harm. The movie handles this delicately, avoiding heavy-handed preaching and instead showing forgiveness as a personal and spiritual journey.

Faith is another central theme, portrayed in a way that feels authentic rather than dogmatic. Bart’s faith, sparked at a Christian camp and nurtured through music, gives him the strength to persevere. The film doesn’t shy away from depicting Arthur’s conversion, but it presents it as a natural outcome of his circumstances rather than a forced plot device. This approach makes the movie accessible to non-Christian audiences, who can appreciate the story’s emotional and human elements.

The importance of family is also woven throughout the narrative. Bart’s strained relationship with his father contrasts with his supportive bond with his grandmother and his romantic connection with Shannon. The film underscores the idea that family, despite its flaws, can be a source of redemption and love.

Production Quality: A Step Forward for Faith-Based Cinema

“I Can Only Imagine” stands out in the faith-based genre for its high production quality. The Erwin Brothers, known for films like “Woodlawn” and “October Baby,” demonstrate their growth as filmmakers with slick direction and thoughtful cinematography. The film’s visuals, sH๏τ in Texas and Oklahoma, capture the small-town setting with warmth and authenticity. The use of lighting and color palettes enhances the emotional tone, from the dark hues of Bart’s childhood to the brighter tones of his musical journey.

The soundtrack is a major strength, featuring MercyMe’s iconic songs, including multiple renditions of “I Can Only Imagine.” J. Michael Finley’s live vocals add authenticity, and the score by Brent McCorkle complements the film’s emotional beats. The editing is тιԍнт, though some critics noted that the pacing slows in the middle, particularly during the band’s early struggles. Overall, the production feels polished, avoiding the low-budget pitfalls of earlier Christian films.

SEO Optimization: Why “I Can Only Imagine” Resonates

To ensure this review reaches a wide audience, it’s optimized for SEO with relevant keywords like “I Can Only Imagine 2018 movie review,” “MercyMe movie,” “J. Michael Finley,” “Dennis Quaid,” and “Christian movie 2018.” These terms align with common search queries, helping readers find this content when looking for information about the film. The review is structured with clear headings (H2 and H3) to improve readability and search engine indexing. Internal linking to related topics (e.g., MercyMe’s discography or faith-based films) and external linking to credible sources like Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb would further boost SEO, but this review focuses on standalone content for simplicity.

The film’s universal themes of forgiveness and redemption make it relevant to a broad audience, from Christian music fans to those seeking inspirational stories. Its box office success—grossing $86 million worldwide against a $7 million budget—demonstrates its appeal, making it a topic of interest for moviegoers and reviewers alike. By addressing the film’s plot, performances, and themes in detail, this review provides valuable information for readers while aligning with search intent.

Critical Reception and Audience Response

“I Can Only Imagine” received mixed reviews from critics but was widely embraced by audiences. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 67% approval rating based on 33 reviews, with critics praising its performances and emotional impact but noting its formulaic structure. The audience score is higher, with a 91% rating, reflecting its resonance with viewers, particularly Christian audiences. On Metacritic, the film scored 30/100 based on eight critics, indicating “generally unfavorable” reviews, but audience feedback on platforms like IMDb and Amazon is overwhelmingly positive, with many citing its emotional depth and inspirational message.

Faith-based reviewers, such as those from Dove.org and World magazine, lauded the film for its authentic portrayal of faith and its family-friendly content. Secular critics, like those from The Hollywood Reporter and AV Club, were more critical, pointing out clichés and a lack of nuance. Despite the divide, the film’s A+ CinemaScore and strong word-of-mouth contributed to its box office success, making it the fifth highest-grossing music biopic and sixth highest-grossing Christian film in the U.S.

Impact and Legacy

“I Can Only Imagine” marked a significant moment for faith-based cinema, proving that Christian films could achieve mainstream success without sacrificing their message. Its box office performance surprised industry analysts, outperforming expectations with a $17.1 million opening weekend. The film’s success paved the way for more polished faith-based projects and highlighted the growing demand for inspirational stories.

The movie also deepened the public’s appreciation for MercyMe’s song, which became a cultural touchstone for those grieving or seeking hope. Its release on DVD and Blu-ray, along with its availability on streaming platforms like Amazon Prime, ensured its longevity. In December 2024, a sequel was announced, signaling the film’s lasting impact.

Who Should Watch “I Can Only Imagine”?

“I Can Only Imagine” is ideal for fans of Christian music, particularly those familiar with MercyMe’s work. Its PG rating makes it suitable for families, though scenes of domestic abuse may be triggering for younger viewers or those sensitive to such content. The film appeals to anyone who enjoys emotional dramas, music biopics, or stories of redemption. While its faith-based elements are prominent, its universal themes make it accessible to a broader audience.

Viewers looking for a tearjerker will find plenty to love, as the film’s emotional moments are earned through strong performances and storytelling. Those who prefer gritty or unconventional narratives may find it too sentimental, but its sincerity and heart make it a rewarding experience for most.

A Farmer’s Misplaced Hammer Led to the Largest Roman Treasure in Britain

---

November 16, 1992 was the day which changed Suffolk-resident Eric Lawes’ life in a huge way. What he thought would have been an innocent search for a hammer he had misplaced on his farm in Hoxne Village, Suffolk, England ended up bringing him much more than he had bargained for — namely, uncovering the hiding spot of a long-hidden treasure. Based on the Guardian’s coverage of the story, Eric Lawes had been previously gifted a metal detector upon his retirement as a parting token. He decided to put his retirement gift to good use in order to locate the hammer which he had had some trouble finding. According to a 2018 Smithsonian Magazine article, when the device started recording that there was a strong signal coming from the earth, he knew that he was about to discover something big. As he started digging, it soon became clear to him that he had unearthed a treasure trove.

The Guardian reports that, when Lawes saw that his preliminary digging had yielded a few gold coins and silver spoons, he immediately contacted both the local archaeological society and the police department. Archaeologists came to the property the following day and had the area of earth holding the treasure carefully sectioned-off and removed. Their hope was that at a later stage, in their laboratory, they could examined the items in order to identify both their age and how they were stored.

When all was said and done, close to 60 pounds of items made from silver and gold were found on the site. These included more than 15,000 Roman coins, 200 gold objects, and several silver spoons. For archaeologists, this find — which later became labeled as the Hoxne Hoard — was an incredible discovery. AP News reported that archaeologist Judith Plouviez was over-the-moon about the discovery, saying that it was “an incredibly exciting and amazing find.” What’s more, another archaeologist, Rachel Wilkinson, told Smithsonian Magazine that this discovery was “the largest and latest ever found in Britain.”

Ordinarily, archaeologists would use radiocarbon dating as a means of identifying the age of ancient relics. However, they couldn’t locate any suitable material from the haul. Consequently, they determined the age by examining writing on the coins, as well as the ruler carved into them, estimating that the treasure was probably buried in either 408 or 409 AD.

Roman-era archaeologist Peter Guest told Smithsonian Magazine that “if you look at them a little more carefully, then they should be dated to the period after the separation of Britain from the Roman Empire.” He offers as part of his evidence the fact that almost all of the coins found in the Hoxne Hoard were clipped – in other words, small chunks of their edges had been taken off. These clippings would have been used to create coins which were similar to the Roman coins of that era.

Guest has a logical reason for this, arguing that “The Roman Empire wasn’t supplying Britain with new gold and silver coins, and in light of that, the population tried to get over this sudden cutoff in the supply of their precious metals by making the existing supplies go further.”

Archaeologists also believe that the treasure belonged to a Romano-British family. During that time, considering that there was so much societal discord and upheaval, it was common for Romans who had settled in Britain to bury their most prized possessions.

That said, one archaeologist is of the belief that the hoard had a lot of sentimental value for the Romano-British family to whom it is believed to have belonged. In her book The Hoxne Late Roman Treasure: Gold Jewellery and Silver Plate, Catherine Johns claims that the manner in which the treasure was kept supported this claim. Some of the items which were recovered had been packaged in small, wooden boxes which were lined with leather. What’s more, pieces of wood, locks, and nails, among other things, surrounded the gold and silver pieces. This leads Catherine to assert that the package was carefully buried and not simply chucked away in a rush.

Interestingly enough, the items unearthed might shed some light on the identity of the family who owned them. They cite a gold bracelet bearing the inscription “UTERE FELIX DOMINA IULIANE,” which roughly translates to “use this happily Lady Juliane”. A second name “Aurelius Ursicinus” has also been discovered. This has consequently led some to believe that Juliane and Aurelius were the couple and the original owners of the treasure. That said, that has yet to be confirmed.

All in all, the discovery was a real treasure for archaeologists, and by extension, for Lawes. According to Smithsonian Magazine, in recognition of his discovery and willingness to contact authorities, the British government rewarded him with over £1.7 million, an amount which he shared with the farmer whose land was dug out in order to get the treasure. Funnily enough, apart from the treasure, Lawes also found his lost hammer — which now resides in the British Museum.