Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot

This is not a feel-good movie of the week. This movie has intense scenes of child abuse and neglect. It also shows realistic trauma for foster and adopted kids.

I went to see this in the theater with my wife and three children (ages 10, 11, and 11). I assumed it got the PG-13 rating for a few minor swears. My kids have seen pg-13 movies before, and with discernment, I've felt fine about it. I did not feel fine watching this with them; I was a little horrified about how serious some of the scenes were. This needs more of a PG-15 rating. This is for mature young adults-not kids.

This movie handles the issues delicately and not graphically, but it looks at the trauma full in the face. It doesn't sensationalize the abuse, but it doesn't shy away from it either.

I probably would have enjoyed it more without my kids, but for their sakes I was ready to walk out a number of times.

Otherwise, the story was good, acting good. It was a fine production.

Parents be ware though. This is not a movie for your whole family.

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 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.

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.

This is a wonderful movie. It is definitely for teenagers and older due to the nature of this movie with some intense scenes. Although none of the seems are graphic, they are still impactful. Tissues may be in order! I am a mental health professional, so none of this was surprising to me but will likely be eye-opening for most people. There is sadness, laughter, fear, joy, hope, and faith throughout this movie. This is an important movie to give the average person a glimpse of an often overlooked problem, while focusing on the power of God. With faith and community, this beautiful movie will make you be thankful for all you have and motivated to help those less fortunate. I highly recommend this movie.