A Courtship

A Courtship is a moving drama-documentary released in 2015, directed by Amy Kohn, which captures the intimate ups and downs of a unique and rarely seen courtship process. This one-of-a-kind film isn't your typical romantic drama or rom-com, but rather a tale of genuine love and faith designed to stir thought and spark conversation about dating, relationships, and marriage in the context of Christian fundamentalism.

Taking a deep dive into “Christian Courtship,” an alternative to dating that encourages purity and saving one’s self for marriage, this documentary revolves around main character Kelly, a 33-year-old woman who has hitherto had experiences with failed relationships. Rather than fighting the cold modern world of dating alone, she yearns for something more substantial and meaningful.

This turning point of her life takes an unconventional turn when she moves in with a devout Christian family to find a husband under their guidance and oversight through the traditional practice of Christian Courtship. Kelly gave the authority to Ron and Dawn Wright, the parents in the host family, to help her find her potential life partner, the man she would eventually marry.

In addition to following Kelly's journey, the film offers an insightful peek into the Wright family’s approach to love and marriage, offering an alternative, albeit controversial, viewpoint on romance and personal relationships rooted in religious faith. The courtship process, as shown in this feature, rulers out dating and promotes first emotional and then physical intimacy only after marriage. The Wrights believe that their role is to protect Kelly from the emotional trauma which they associate with modern dating, preparing her for a marriage that they expect will last a lifetime.

The cinema comes to life with Kohn's seamless storytelling that meticulously highlights the emotional and psychological turmoil Kelly goes through in hopeful pursuit of finding a husband. The honest portrayal of emotion authentically showcases Kelly's hope, passion, fear, and sometimes loneliness as she hands over her heart to an unfamiliar process, entrusting it to the judgment of the Wrights.

While it raises several questions and may provoke skepticism in some viewers, A Courtship is not designed to argue for or against Christian Courtship. The movie is masterfully impartial, which allows viewers to form their own perspectives. It creates a picture of love and relationships starkly different from what's usually offered in mainstream media, taking a look at what it means to seek love through faith and trust in God.

However, the film is not purely introspective or serious; it is also filled with heartwarming moments and sincerity that will make the audience laugh and smile. The Wrights and their children bring much warmth and affection to the film, providing a loving and protective environment for Kelly. Their care for Kelly is evident throughout her journey and they serve as both her staunch shield against previous dating wounds and enthusiastic cheerleaders in her quest for marital bliss.

Exploring an almost extreme antithesis to the contemporary dating scene, A Courtship is an eye-opening exploration of faith-based love. As you watch, you witness a range of emotions and experiences including hope, despair, anticipation, and disappointment.

Whether one agrees with the concept of Christian Courtship or not, A Courtship opens a dialogue and gives its audience much to ponder upon. It provides a raw, intimate look into a unique aspect of human relationships and cultural practices that is increasingly rare in today's world. With a contemporary take and a balanced analysis of Christian Courtship, the film is an intriguing exploration of this practice as it is lived out by its characters.

In essence, A Courtship offers an unvarnished snapshot into the stark choices some people make in their pursuit of love and fulfillment, and the beauty that can be found even in unforeseen places. It is sure to incite reflection in viewers as they navigate their own paths to finding love. With superb storytelling, subtle humor, and bold honesty, A Courtship is more than just a film - it's an exploration of faith, love, and the human heart.