Once I Was Engaged

Once I Was Engaged is a 2021 film directed by Maclain Nelson, featuring a charming cast that includes Bart Johnson, Paris Warner, and Tanner Gillman. This wholesome comedy drama is a sequel to the 2015 coming-of-age film Once I Was a Beehive. However, even if you have not seen the prequel, the engaging plot of Once I Was Engaged does not require prior knowledge of the characters or the storyline.

The story of Once I Was Engaged revolves around the vibrant life of Bree Carrington, interpreted with vivacious energy and heartfelt sincerity by Paris Warner. As you may have guessed from the movie's title, the story takes a leap from Bree's adventurous summer camp days to her life as a college student, where she gets unexpectedly engaged to her boyfriend, Thys Chesterfield (Tanner Gillman). Thus starts a series of events filled with excitement, laughter, and life lessons.

Bart Johnson plays the role of Bree's panicked father, who has reservations about his daughter's swift and sudden decision to get married. His portrayal of a caring and concerned father is heartfelt, providing many of the film's more emotional moments.

In this comedy-drama, Bree’s sudden engagement announcement brings about a whirlwind of wedding preparations, as Bree dives headlong into the world of wedding planning. There's not just choosing the perfect dress, booking the venue, and managing the list of guests; but also dealing with the tricky balance between her education and the life she plans to share with Thys.

One of the central themes of Once I Was Engaged is the exploration of familial bonds, friendship, personal aspirations, and how these elements intersect with faith. It illustrates the confusion, excitement, happiness, and also the anxiety that typically surrounds the monumental decision of marriage, especially when that decision is made at a young age. The movie also tactfully delves into the nitty-gritty of wedding preparations, offering charming scenes brimming with mirth and chaos.

Paris Warner’s performance as Bree is magnetic. She breathes life into her character's remarkable journey from a traditional teenager to a young woman who learns to make substantial life decisions in the blink of an eye. Tanner Gillman, as Thys Chesterfield, complements Warner's performance with his portrayal of a well-grounded, understanding, and supportive partner.

Bart Johnson steals several scenes with his comedic timing and earnest portrayal of a father coming to terms with his little girl's impending nuptials. His struggle to let go resonates with everyone who has gone through a similar situation, making his character universally relatable.

As a sequel to a coming-of-age film, Once I Was Engaged takes up the responsibility of charting the course of personal growth and youth’s transition to adulthood. Besides offering endless laughs and heartwarming moments, the film tackles serious themes subtly, weaved in the fabric of the screenplay, such as the importance of balancing personal aspirations with commitments and what it means to make life-changing decisions and stick to them responsibly.

While it is deeply rooted in Mormon culture and faith, the universal appeal of the movie's themes gives it a broader reach, making it relatable to audiences of all backgrounds. Beautifully capturing the tumult of emotions that come with such a significant life event, the film does a magnificent job of integrating comedy and drama.

Summing up, Once I Was Engaged is a wholesome, funny, and feel-good film that offers an entertaining and provoking look at the intricacies of early adulthood. It paints a beautiful picture of family, faith, and maturity amidst the chaos of wedding planning, serving laughter and life lessons in equal measure. Its light-hearted narrative is complimented with great performances, making it a must-watch for those who love comedy-dramas that offer a slice of life.