In-Lawfully Yours

In-Lawfully Yours is a 2016 romantic comedy feature written by Sean Gaffney and Robert Kirbyson and directed by Robert Kirbyson. The film features an ensemble cast including the likes of Chelsey Crisp, Lisa Renz, and Leticia Rivera. The movie is a warming tale of faith, love, and healing, embodying humor, empathy, and affection.

The story revolves around the main character, Jesse, played by Chelsey Crisp, who brings a lot of zest, vibrant charm, and liveliness to the character. Jesse is a New Yorker who is just coming out of an unsuccessful marriage. When her husband announces that he has cheated on her and wants a divorce, she decides to move out of the city and start afresh. Her life takes an unexpected turn, leading her to the small town life of Bethel Cove, a quaint little place offering a far distinct lifestyle from the hustle and bustle where she came from.

In Bethel Cove, Jesse becomes a companion and caretaker for her recently widowed mother-in-law Naomi, played by Marilu Henner. Naomi is a devout and feisty woman dealing with the loss of her husband and the need to keep his church alive. The relationship between Jesse and Naomi familiarizes Jesse with the workings of the small town, its values, and, particularly, the community's religious faith.

Jesse gradually adapts to small-town life and becomes an integral part of the community, endearing herself to the town's folks with her vivacious city girl personality and transparent sincerity. During this time, she crosses paths with Pastor Ben, played by Joe Williamson, a handsome and likable widowed pastor in the community. Despite her recent heartbreak, Jesse finds herself drawn to him, and an unexpected bond forms between the two.

The plot deepens when the sizzling chemistry between Jesse and Ben becomes apparent, leading to a vibrant, heart-rendering, and occasionally hilarious journey of romantic exploration. However, this new-found love is not without its challenges. Ben, while pulled towards Jesse, struggles with his responsibility towards his parish and the moral implications of his growing affection.

Contrasting personalities of city girl Jesse and small-town pastor Ben and their progressing affection forms an intricate part of the plot. Jesse's journey from a heartbroken divorcee to find solace in faith, friendship, a new community, and the potential of a new love gives the movie its depth and intrigue.

In-Lawfully Yours is a tale of opposites attract, but it is much more than your run-of-the mill romantic comedy. It humorously highlights the fish-out-of-water trope while also delving sensitively into themes of faith, death, community, and love. The story unfolds beautifully, painting a vivid picture of small-town life with its pros and cons, and it's this charming backdrop that sets the stage for the compelling and delightful journey that's to ensue.

The film is replete with delightful characters, witty dialogues, and a narrative that leaves you with warmth, upliftment, and a fresh perspective on love and religion. The supporting roles by Lisa Renz and Leticia Rivera among others, add more layers to the plot line, making the movie an engaging and satisfying watch.

In-Lawfully Yours is beautifully directed by Robert Kirbyson who convincingly juxtaposes city life versus small-town life, the crisis of faith and the leap of faith, and a guarded heart with the courage to love again. Equally, the writing by Sean Gaffney and Kirbyson is commendable. It's a Christian faith-based film, but it's humorous, playful, and accessible to all kinds of audience who admire a tale of love, fresh starts, and personal growth.

Chelsey Crisp as Jesse delivers a passionate, engaging, and emotionally resonant performance. Her portrayal of a big-city girl who finds herself connecting with a place very unlike where she comes from, a population with different beliefs, and a completely new way of life, is excellent.

In conclusion, In-Lawfully Yours is crisp, light-hearted, and deeply touching. It's a journey of overcoming personal trials with the help of faith, community, and love. It's a sweet, thoughtful film with a lot of heart, filled with moments of laughter, tears, and introspection. It's a pearl in the world of faith-based cinema that manages to entertain and inspire, just like a good movie should.