Film Review: Chasing Grace (DVD Release)

Written by: Kelly Meade (5/12/2016)

When tragedy strikes a pastor’s family, they face a struggle to understand how such a devastating loss could happen to them and why God would allow it. Where can they even begin to forgive?

Adapted from the novel Discovering Grace written by David Temple, the Chasing Grace film follows the story of a family shaken to its core and their journey to recovery.

Pastor Jonathan Matheson has had a tumultuous relationship with his brother Carter. Carter is a man clearly battling demons of his own. Multiple drunken calls to bail Carter out of jail leads to an unimaginable tragedy that divides the family.

A son’s discovery reveals a hidden secret Jonathan has been trying to keep from those closest to him. His coping mechanism to deal with their family’s loss drives a deeper wedge between already strained relationships. Refusing to admit that he has a problem forces a leave of absence of his position as the pastor of the church.

Carter seeks Jonathan’s forgiveness which Jonathan is not ready to give. Instead, Jonathan is filled with vengeful rage and devises a plan to teach him a lesson. A lesson that Jonathan soon realizes goes too far.

Jonathan’s wife, Angela, is portrayed as the glue fighting to hold their family and faith together while dealing with her own grief.

Struggles with the pain of guilt, deceit & the consequences of poor choices plague each character as they find their way back to redemption.

Throughout Chasing Grace, faith is put to the ultimate test and this story shows that no one is immune to making mistakes or being consumed by grief and anger.  However, on the other side of the trials and tribulations, healing and forgiveness can be found.

Cast includes:

Michael Joiner as Jonathan Matheson
Ashlee Payne as Angela Matheson
David Temple as Carter Matheson
Rusty Martin as Christopher Matheson
Patrick Fagan as David Matheson
Abigail Rose Cornell as Grace Matheson
Leon Pridgen as Officer Mahler
Billy Dec as Officer Reddick
Joseph Gray as Joshua Ridge