The 2016 Drama Movie, ‘Miracles From Heaven’ starring: Jennifer Garner, Martin Henderson, Kylie Rogers and Queen Latifah is based on a true story told by a mother, Christy Beam. This difficult situation yet beautiful story is about a young girl named Annabel Beam who has a very rare eating disorder. After going to many family doctors and even having a “bloated” look of the stomach, Christy decided it was time to take action. She then takes her daughter to a digestive system specialist in Boston who explains to them that their daughter is unable to swallow food. Shortly after many surgeries, tests and medications given, Annabel falls into a large tree; even going in head first. After waking up, she explains she visited heaven while unconscious. Not only did she go on a life changing journey but her disorders were healed and she had no more problems. I know right, extremely bizarre!
Not only was this movie a great way to spread an inspiring and unusual story for the Beam family, however it also is a great film for families to enjoy together. It helps show never to lose faith and to always believe in yourself and those around you. This is an enjoyable film that is not your standard, “sickness” movie. It takes you on a completely different journey than any other movie. Not to mention having this based on a true story makes it even more interesting, making viewers want to watch due to this rare scenario.
This was a very smart way to share a family’s story based on something they had to go through, which is also special to them. Having Annabel’s story being put into a movie format is special for both her and her family. Throughout the film, we learn and see some of the difficult times Annabel and her family went through. Being 12 years old and your parents worried about you being able to stay alive is not something every child experiences. Terrifying. From having health issues since you were 5, to almost being a teenager while doctors are questioning if you will make it a few more days is a situation that only a couple percent of children have to lose sleep over.
Throughout the film, the Beam family prays consistently for their daughter’s/sister’s health issues and sickness to come to a close. Plus, including Annabel falling into a tree does not make matters any easier. Her poor mother! With not being able to digest food, having to eat through a tube that goes down her nose, certainly is not easy on her parents either. Watching their young daughter constantly in pain, not able to participate in gym, weekly doctor check ups, multiple surgeries, suctions down her nose, and being diagnosed as lactose intolerant. Annabel did not get to live a normal life.
This movie is not only enjoyable but it spreads awareness to people that perhaps don’t know that some children live their lives like this. As a parent, how would you feel if that is what your child had to do everyday? Not to mention, doctors were not sure how much longer she would live. Then being a parent attempting to stay positive while your daughter is in terrible pain and you’re worried you could lose her forever. Some people do not understand that this is what some children's lives are like and they need to be more aware.
Personally, I really enjoyed the film. I thought it was extremely well done and such a good way to share someone’s story that is tragic. I highly approve of the fact that with this being based on a true story, you know it is deeper than just a plot that a director came up with. This was how a young girl had to live her life. Spreading her story will inspire people all over the world that perhaps have the “perfect” life. People that: don’t wake up and take multiple different types of medications, can eat normally, do not have to get weekly check ups at the hospital, can participate in gym class and are not constantly in pain. This was a great way to show insight into something a young girl had to fight off and what her parents and siblings had to deal with. As this story is as special as knowing someone who is extremely ill, it is important to spread awareness and gain the knowledge about some situations that people have to deal with. Always be grateful for your health because many people around the world wish to be as healthy as we are.
Written by Camille Spence
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