The Lucky Man

The Lucky Man is a thrilling 2018 action packed drama written and directed by talented filmmaker Norman Gregory McGuire. True to its title, the movie ventures into the realm of divine intervention, chance, spiritual healing miracles and the struggles that accompany such gifts. Featuring a stellar cast that includes Jesse James, Burton Gilliam, Juan Felipe Barrientos, Mariana Paola Vicente, and Jermaine Washington, the film centers on a traveling preacher and his companion who discover the darker corners of faith, miracles, and greed.

The film kicks off with our protagonist, John Cross (played by Jesse James), a fake faith healer posing as a traveling minister. John Cross is no ordinary man, using his wicked charm and charisma, he manages to trick people into believing his supposed divine abilities to heal diseases and ailments. This protagonist does not tread the expected path of piety and moral righteousness; rather he is a conflicted character who takes advantage of the belief and faith of desperate people, skeptical of the very miracles he himself is performing.

Partnering with his junkie girlfriend, Lynn (Mariana Vicente), they run a traveling ministry. She plays a perfect companion to John Cross, enhancing his deceit with her own clever tricks. Together, they travel from town to town, running a successful con game, cheating the faithful out of money in exchange for false miracles.

Enter brilliant Burton Gilliam as Sheriff Bell, who provides the much-needed balance in this turbulent narrative. His character is a shrewd, yet delightful, manifestation of law and gloomy humour which adds another intriguing layer to the film.

Things seem to be going well for the charismatic fraudsters until they reach a small town in Texas. Here, they experience a turn of events that threatens to unravel their perfect sham. They meet the roguish yet likable thugs, Scratch (Tim Curry), and Bo (Eddie Penland), owners of the desolate Last Chance motel. They have their own greedy plans, adding a new twist to the narrative.

As the story unravels, John's life takes an unexpected turn. Miraculously, John discovers he has actual healing powers. This introduces a new dimension to his already complicated life and forces him to question his past actions, his faith, and what he perceives as his reality. In the process, he also learns the repercussions and the immense responsibility that comes with such divine powers.

McGuire infuses this action-drama with elements of science fiction that elevate the narrative to a metaphysical level. The stark desert settings add a desolate yet spellbinding backdrop to the suspense-filled plotline. The realistic and gritty portrayal of a morally ambiguous world keeps viewers engaged while challenging their beliefs and perceptions. The director beautifully blends themes of spirituality, love, redemption, and the grey shades of morality in a storyline that is as compelling as it is thought-provoking.

The performances of the actors are commendable, with each character fully fleshed out and contributing to the overall narrative. Jesse James, as John Cross, brilliantly combines the traits of a roguish crook and a faith-healing fraudster, while dealing with his internal conflicts and spiritual apprehensions. Mariana Vicente is captivating as Lynn, and her chemistry with Jesse James adds an intricate relationship dynamic to the storyline. Burton Gilliam as Sheriff Bell and other supporting casts not only fit their roles perfectly but also add layers to the overall narrative, with their personal journeys, ambitions, and flaws.

The Lucky Man successfully intertwines elements of drama, action, mystery, and a deep exploration of faith and spirituality. The result is a roller-coaster ride of emotions, coupled with plot twists and a metaphysical exploration of a man grappling with newfound abilities and the dynamics of faith. True to its theme, it leaves viewers pondering over questions of chance, fate, miracles, and the inherent greed within humanity.

The film is an excellent pick for those viewers who enjoy an enthralling narrative that explores unique themes, combined with skilled performances and beautiful cinematography. It is a tale of faith, redemption, and the unique perspective of a conman turned miracle healer. The Lucky Man allows us to reflect on the complexities of faith and the lengths people will go for a miracle.