In from the Night

Sometimes the effects of a dysfunctional family do not appear until a situation comes to light. "In From the Night" brings that awareness to Vicki through her nephew Bobby. In helping him change his life she becomes aware of things in her own life that she has tried to deal with. This is a very emotional story.

In dealing with these tough subjects of abuse and mental illness in a dysfunctional family, Hallmark has presented a very heartwarming film, one that shows sometimes it takes others in need to help in the process of healing our own wounds. Because of the subject content and some of the abuse flashbacks I recommend it for twelve and above. James Welch Henderson Arkansas 4/7/2021.

This is definitely not a lighthearted show. It's a drama about the damaging effects of abuse and neglect. The long-term consequences of Grandpa's lousy parenting. And the consequences of custody courts favoring biological parents' wishes over the safety of the child. A single aunt finds herself becoming an unofficial mother to her teenage nephew, and they have a long struggle in helping him recover from the psychological damage inflicted by his parents.

Marcia Gay Harden plays Vicki, a woman who has cut herself off from her dysfunctional family in order to write. One night, she gets a very unexpected visit from her 16-year-old nephew Bobby (Taylor Handley). He looks tired, hungry, and depressed. So begins the journey of Vicki and Bobby.

I didn't think that I was going to like this movie. It seemed like just another boring Hallmark movie. However, after not being able to get the previews out of my head, I realized I needed to watch this movie. So I did. I was most pleasantly surprised.

Both Marcia Gay Harden and Taylor Handley are perfect for their roles. The transformations of the two, especially Bobby's, are timeless. It's a very sweet story of two people trying to find themselves.

Props to the cast. The acting was superb. I really enjoyed this movie (I'm glad I taped it so I can watch it again!).

I give it 9 out of 10 (I took off because I believe that some of the characters needed more screen time, i.e. Thomas Gibson's character).

This movie was very well thought out and had so much to say. If only those who make a living by interacting with teens (in some way,) would be able to really see into it; there could be some wonderful changes in so many lives. Bobby had support, love and a strong role model, and he was allowed to have control over what happened to him, rather than being controlled. It made the whole difference.

This was way more than a movie, it was an education. We need more Bobby stories. So often we see the line "if each abused/learning disabled etc. student had just one person who cared/believed in them, LISTENED to them......." The importance is so obvious here. Sadly, in reality, many Bobbys probably watched this film from an institution of some type and had bittersweet reactions to it. I'd love to know more about the inspiration for the film and I hope this is one of many that refer to teens and the problems created by family, disabling school settings and society.

The Tristen character was best left as it was, because that's where all the other abused/neglected/learning disabled teens, who aren't as fortunate as Bobby, ARE. My opinion, he wanted a friend and he wanted to be part of what Bobby had. He could be alone with nothing ahead for him, or he could continue to go with the group, rather than be all alone. It was obvious he wished for choices too. Would anyone ever know his story?

Susanna Styron and Bridget Terry, THANK YOU

Dear Hallmark,

I really did love this movie,partly because my own son suffers from 'bipolar' illness. It reminded me that EVERY teen stands the chance of recovery if only someone will care enough to give of themselves. THANK YOU SOOO MUCH for showing such love and compassion for a difficult issue and problem. We need more like you and your movie team. I do hope that you will continue to make movies like this that will speak to our personal experience and needs. The actors did a wonderful job! Good casting! I LOVED HALLMARK'S commercials, too. Oh, they touched my heart, and made me cry. Your cards can be powerful! Sincerely, Barbara