Inspirational Soul on Fire Lights a Spark…and Just Might Fuel a Movement

The bar is set high when a movie trailer reveals major plot points and still titles the film, Soul on Fire. Not only did it meet the challenge, it stirred up something inside me. With a release date of October 10th, I suggest you keep room in your schedule to see it.

Written by Gregory Poirier and based on the bestselling memoir by John O’Leary, the opening scene, dated 2008, shows a scout leader named Deanna (Amanda Pulcini) approaching adult John (Joel Courtney), asking him to speak to her girls. Confused as to why, she intimates his story is inspirational and he agrees. Nervously he tells his story for all of two minutes, then asks if there are questions. All hands flip up and John begins answering. Then one girl asks if he would “change it”, referring to the fire, burns, and recovery. Pausing for a moment, he answers that yes, he would. The scene fades and another begins in 1987, with 9 year-old John (James McCracken) before the fire that burned 100% of his body.

So begins the story of John’s survival and recovery with those who rally around him. John’s father, Denny (John Corbett), radiates faith in God, gratitude, and joy in multiple circumstances. Susan (Stephanie Szostak), John’s mother, is steadfast in her love, which at times is tough. She asks John a hard question and is an example of how to rely on God. Nurse Roy (DeVon Franklin), Jack Buck (William H. Macy) and Beth O’Leary (Masey McLain) all add value to John’s life and challenge his assumptions about himself as he continues to learn lessons through adulthood.

They, among many others, represent the often unsung heroes whose presence and work mattered in John’s life, and by extension, matter in our own. Sometimes these are relatively brief encounters. Other times they are touchstone moments that find a home in memory.

Those opening scenes are an example of Poirier’s skill as a screenwriter. First, the movie content is intense at points, yet there is an ebb and flow as the writer guides the viewer through the story. It is raw yet hopeful and triumphant. Masterful movement from scenes with adult John to flashbacks provide information and context to his present struggles.

Further, in the beginning, there are words, music, and images that set up a bookend to final scenes. They are seamlessly woven into the story and don’t appear contrived, but deeply meaningful. This makes the film a full-circle experience which is even more fulfilling when watching a second time.

Adding to and deepening the experience of this film is director Sean McNamara (director of Reagan, Soul Surfer) who breathes his vision into it, taking the story from inspiration and experience to something potentially transformational in the minds and hearts of the viewer. Just as Poirier controls the intensity of the narrative, so McNamara artfully advances the story with images that are important but, in my opinion, not visually overwhelming.

Although the movie does use actual places where events took place, the emphasis isn’t as much on place, but on people. Relationships are the central focus in alternating use of close-ups and wide shots. They also point to the importance of characters’ words, the emotions conveyed, or even the challenge they present to John.

Taking into consideration various movie preferences, Soul on Fire is more than drama and inspiration. There are comedic moments and humor that keep things “real” amidst more serious parts. Sports lovers will also appreciate the thread of baseball and Hall of Famers. As a music lover with eclectic taste, I enjoyed the songs from multiple rock genres (classic, contemporary, and Christian) that not only enhance scenes, but move serious ones forward with an upbeat tempo.

Rated PG, this movie contains “thematic content including burn injuries, some peril and suggestive material.” To this, I add a few caveats. First, as a mom I’d explain to my children (ahead of time) that prosthetics are used to represent burn images and scarring. Second, I’d strongly consider whether or not images of fire and a housefire would be too much for one of my children who was quite fearful of such things as a child. Finally, alcohol abuse occurs in some scenes, but is addressed head-on with tact.

Soul on Fire is not an overtly preachy religious movie. There is some Catholic imagery, but the focus is on the gospel. Faith in God is quiet and strong, a firm foundation to its premise that God works through all circumstances, big and seemingly insignificant. While inspirational for individuals, it could be an enriching experience to discuss as a family or in a group with teens or young adults.

In today’s global society, there is temptation to despair in myriad circumstances. This movie is a call to rise and set our eyes on God. We may not all relate to overcoming the type of physical adversity John O’Leary did. But we can find ourselves in the mental, emotional, and spiritual challenges he faced. Fears. Brokenness. Insecurities. Soul on Fire addresses these with the reassurance that we are chosen by God to be loved in all our challenges and failures. We can be restored to wholeness by the love of God through those around us.

In the movie, John quotes French Marshal Ferdinand Foch as saying, “The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire.” When I heard this, I was reminded of two people: St. Catherine of Siena who said, “Become what you ought to be, and you will set the world on fire”, and Pope John Paul II, who often called for a new evangelization.

Our world needs hope. Soul on Fire was not a shallow “feel-good” movie for me. On the contrary, I saw destruction by actual fire used by God to create a spiritual spark. Passed from one person to the next, this movie transcends inspiration and is a call to action to share the love of God. I applaud all who worked on this project. We may see Soul on Fire spark a movement in which lives are transformed.