Beyond the Farthest Star

A wonderful movie about redemption and restoration to hurting people. A beautiful story of hope for pain when you have love and compassion. Highly recommend.

A preaching kid wonder doesn't grow up to become the next Billy Graham as expected, but rather the joyless pastor (Todd Terry) of a small assembly in Nowheresville, Texas. His wife (Renée O'Connor) escapes into romance novels and other temptations while his sullen daughter (Cherami Leigh) plays in a "vampire rock" band. When a strategic crime draws national attention to the town it forces the family to confront their outward issues and core problem.

Written & directed by Andrew Librizzi, "Beyond the Farthest Star" (2013) dragged its feet getting officially released in 2015. It's an intricate and morose Indie drama in the mold of the outstanding "Snow Angels" (2007), but with a faith-based angle. It basically mixes the style of David Gordon Green ("Snow Angels") with that of Alex Kendrick ("War Room"). "Do You Believe?" (2015) and "Grand Canyon" (1991) are other reference points in tone & theme, not to mention depth, reverence and wonder. But "Beyond the Farthest Star" had WAY less funds to work with, costing only $500,000. Yet it doesn't seem like it. Librizzi is an expert filmmaker who knows how to make the most of his limited resources.

The flick is very dense and has the confidence to take its time; it also respects the intelligence of the viewer to read between the lines and figure out details. Every issue presented is real and I've experienced them either firsthand or indirectly. Even minor scenes are superbly articulated and acted. You can tell Librizzi spent a lot of time on the script, working out kinks, etc. Speaking of the acting, I'm surprised at how excellent even the peripherals perform, which ain't no small thing considering the challenge of pulling off the heavy material. Cherami Leigh is great for her role even though she seemed to struggle a bit at the end (I can't say anything more without giving away spoilers).

Two snippets of songs from the "vampire rock" band are featured and they're outstanding, the best musical pieces on the soundtrack; yeah, even the Crystal Lewis track "Beauty for Ashes." Cherami Leigh sings on "Disappearing Act" and I'm assuming the other (even briefer) piece as well. Librizzi should've let these songs play out longer; or feature them on the end credits; or, at least, the bonus material.

The movie's arguably too morose and lengthy for its own good, not to mention some elements are awkwardly implemented in the last act, like the Big Mart aspect. Yet, when you reflect on it, everything is there for a reason and makes an important point. I can relate to practically every point one way or another. Still, the conclusion needed more finesse. But, at the end of the day, "Beyond the Farthest Star" is an obscure weighty gem. It's awe-inducing (and occasionally amusing in a low-key way, e.g. "think happy thoughts"). The fact that it only cost $500,000 is mind-blowing.

The film runs 1 hour, 59 minutes, and was shot in Leonard, Texas, which is located about 40-minutes (drive) northeast of Dallas.

GRADE: A-/B+

This film will tug at your heartstrings and yet give your spirit hope and joy. It is a rollercoaster of emotions as you journey with the characters to the end. Each actor did a wonderful job in helping their character come alive. But Renee O' Connor and Cherami Leigh did an outstanding job in the depths of their acting. At times I found myself wanting to reach out and give them a hug. This is a great film to help start family dialog with any and all issues individuals might be experiencing.

Wow!!! I just got through watching the movie "Beyond the Farthest Star". I have always said that christian, faith based or inspirational movies (whatever you choose to call them) that they need to be real. Don't show me a movie that is all goodness and light because let's face it...even those who were brought up in the church go through dark times. Just because you are a Christian it does not make you immune to the real heartaches that people endure! Everyone christian and non christian has a past....has a secret or two...and the enemy will use that to tear you apart. But God is bigger than all that and he will bring beauty from ashes!!! Well this movie is real....and it shows you that God no matter how dark it may seem to you can and will bring beauty from among those ashes!!! Well done!! I encourage you to watch this film. It is out now on dvd...you can purchase it in many locations, Walmart, Amazon to name a few! So get the dvd...and invite some friends over for a pizza and movie night........you won't be sorry! You can also check out their Facebook page Beyond the Farthest Star.

"Beyond the Farthest Star" is an insightful, mesmerizing story that centers on the Wells family. Each struggle with resentment and bitterness that threatens to destroy their family...and the emotions intensify following a move to the small town of Leonard, Texas. BTFS has universal themes that speak to all people and effectively weaves the idea that there is hope in spite of physical or emotional scars. This richly layered story shares a raw honest portrayal of transformation and restoration after hidden secrets are revealed and healing is allowed to begin. Elements of suspense, romance, and political intrigue are combined with multi-dimensional characters to present an escalating tension that intensifies to an explosive climax, and, ultimately, to a satisfying conclusion.

When "Beyond the Farthest Star" was in theaters, I was able to see it several times and was riveted to the screen each time as I picked up nuances missed before. The story is fascinating and the actors do an incredible job of making their characters come to life on screen. This film also inspired a novel by Bodie & Brock Thoene, a Kinkade painting, and a new arrangement of "Beauty For Ashes" by Crystal Lewis. I am thrilled that it is coming to DVD so I can have a copy of my own and can share it with family and friends who missed it in theaters. Not for younger kids, but I highly recommend this movie for 13 and up!