An Uncommon Grace

An Uncommon Grace from 2017 is a heartwarming television movie that gracefully mixes a love story with elements of mystery, revolving around the theme of religion and faith. The film stars Jes Macallan, known for her role in the television series "Mistresses", Sean Faris, noted for his performances in movies like "Never Back Down" and "Forever Strong", and Kelly McGillis, famous from her time in the iconic film, "Top Gun".

In this film, Macallan plays the lead role of Grace Conner, an extraordinarily adept, decorated military nurse who returns home to her family in rural Ohio after serving a tour in Afghanistan. Grace chooses to stay with her estranged grandmother who is part of the Amish community, a place where Grace spent the vast majority of her childhood. This decision helps to reveal the schism between Grace's life in the tumultuous war zones overseas and the sedate, tranquil reality of the Amish way of life.

The plotline picks up when Grace encounters her new Amish neighbor, Levi Troyer, who is portrayed by Sean Faris. Levi lives an Ordnung (traditional and strict Amish lifestyle) life but is dealing with the tragedy of his brother's mysterious death. The two young people from two starkly different backgrounds but with a common thread of loss, sorrow, and struggle share an inexplicably deep connection.

The passionate and headstrong Grace cannot help but get involved when she stumbles across hints to the unsolved mystery that surrounds Levi's brother's death. A complex web of secrets is unearthed as Grace finds herself becoming an amateur sleuth. Despite this deep tragedy shadowing his close-knit family, Levi finds comfort in sharing his life with Grace, leading them to form a bond that transcends the boundaries of their vastly different backgrounds.

Kelly McGillis, formerly known for more glamorous Hollywood roles, plays the supportive Elizabeth Troyer, a quiet pillar of the Amish community and Levi's mother. McGillis provides a grounded, genuine performance that complements the younger lead actors and provides a compelling center to the mystery of her elder son's death.

The movie doesn't shy away from exploring the nuanced differences between the world Grace comes from; one filled with warfare, technology, and modern amenities, and the Amish lifestyle, which is steeped in age-old traditions, simplicity, and stern rules. This juxtaposition yields a fertile ground for Grace and Levi’s budding understanding and ultimately, a love story between the two.

An Uncommon Grace is beautifully shot throughout, faithfully rendering the idyllic landscapes and signature visual traits of the Amish community, lending a refreshing, serene charm to the overall film. The pace of the film is well-matched with its setting, providing the audience ample room to grasp the depth and intensity of the incidents as they unfold.

The film is directed by David Mackay, known for "The Truth About Emanuel", who thoroughly explores each character's backstory, emotions, and transformation. He guides the narrative gently from a homecoming story into a mystery thriller, then a romance, never overwhelming the viewer, but rather letting each genre's elements blossom naturally within this unique setting.

Hughes Barbosa does a magnificent job with the screenplay, creating a plot where the twists and suspense elements are knit perfectly with the cultural aspects. By the end of the film, the audience will find itself deeply involved with the characters, their stories, and the solutions to their problems.

In conclusion, An Uncommon Grace is an enthralling blend of mystery, romance, and cultural exploration, painting a vivid picture of cross-cultural understanding, love, and appreciation of differences. Shedding light on rarely touched upon aspects of the Amish lifestyle, it acts as a mirror, reflecting the world beyond the chaos, closer to peace, faith, and harmony. This film leaves a warm impression in the hearts of its viewers, making it a must-watch for those who enjoy explorations of different cultures and human emotions.