Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot

What an incredibly moving, inspirational, eye opening film! This is not your typical feel good adoption story. This movie is raw, real, and gives you an honest glimpse into the harsh reality of the traumas that children in foster care have experienced and what it takes for families to love them to healing and wholeness. The power of love, community, and hope was a clear message throughout!

The Martin's and the community of Possum Trot are the most loving, caring, and supportive people. Imagine what could happen if every church and community were inspired to be another Bennett Chapel? We can truly turn this whole thing around! Get to the theaters on July 4th!

I got to see this at an advanced screening. I knew a little about the plot but not everything. I thought it had a high production value from cinematography, quality of acting, and script was well developed. The story is raw. Not overly gratuitous with the violence as in the Sound of Freedom. They hint at the trauma inflicted without showing every detail, but you get the idea, which is why I'd caution parents to watch it themselves first before letting kids under 13 see it, or if your child of any age is sensitive. The pacing of the story was mostly good but they probably could have edited 10-15 minutes out and it would have tightened things up. I encourage people to give this story a chance even though it isn't the most cheerful story, think Sound of Freedom or the original The Color Purple. It is said to be based on a true story. It did make the rounds in the news cycle at the time, however, I won't be surprised to find out later some of the story was altered slightly to enhance drama as we later find out is the case with the majority of movies/tv "based on a true story". The theme is a call to duty for people who are able in some way to rally around kids in the foster care and/or adoption systems. These kids need loving homes where they can heal from the traumas inflicted on them. At the end they show a montage of where some of the people are now which is interesting.

A very well made movie about a story that make you mad, cry, and want to do something all at once. The acting is excellent, including all the children, the scenes of abuse (or inferred) are not over the top, but they are real. There were a few times I thought the scene changes were a little forced or choppy, but that's if I'm trying to be picky. They do not shy away from themes of church, Jesus' redemptive love for us, and how imperfect we are as humans, Christians included. I loved seeing the real life people at the end that these characters were all based around. Beautiful people, all doing their best in Him.

I was moved to tears throughout the entire movie. It spoke a really deep truth and did not gloss over how difficult it is to foster kids. I took my 13 and 18 year old to see this and they were incredibly moved. They have cousins who came out of the foster system, but still do not understand the gravity of what some of these kids go through. It prompted a great discussion. I was glad I did not bring my 9 and 10 year olds. Difficult truths.

The acting and directing were fantastic. It was a moving story that did not shy away from the hard parts. I loved a look into a black southern Baptist church and the way they worship and support one another in Christ.

At this time in our world, this story of hearts and lives opening to receive foster children is so welcome. You might shake your head in disbelief that this kind of goodness really is present, but I was thrilled to have this movie shine a light on what genuine people will do for our children. The film was powerful and tender, real and heart felt.

The actors were excellent and well chosen. I am grateful for all the hard work it must have taken to film this, with the children involved especially.

I loved that the people in the film of Possom Trot where shown at the end so we could see what thee children are thankfully up to now. VEry beautiful.