Sarah's Choice (2009)

Our rating: 5 out of 5

Rated: TVPG

reviewed by Rissi C.
 

This was something I’d looked forward to for what seemed like forever. When finally it arrived in the mail, it was watched that same night out of sheer anticipation. The starring role debut of Christian pop artist Rebecca St. James, this is actually and pleasantly a quietly profound piece of filmwork.

Her life isn’t exactly how she’d like it to be. But Sarah Collins (St. James) is on the fast track to getting a promotion, which means a raise, new apartment and maybe a new car. She’s potentially replacing a woman leaving on maternity leave, and with that comes the possibility that the position may become permanent. Ecstatic and thinking her interview went well, Sarah calls her boyfriend, Matt (Julian Bailey) and they make plans to celebrate. Her mother doesn’t like the fact that Sarah isn’t living a Christian life and staying with a man without the benefit of marriage, which creates mediocre feelings between Sarah’s mother and Matt. During a bout of unusual illness, Sarah’s friend, Megan (Logan White) urges her to take a pregnancy test -- despite her protests she discovers she is pregnant. Suddenly, life has changed drastically and Sarah isn’t sure who to turn to or what choice would best suit her blossoming lifestyle.

My expectations were high for this when it came to the story line -- I’d already discovered what the heroine chose, so knowing it was going to paint a positively beautiful plot was no surprise. What I didn’t know was how the actors would create the character structure or how the direction would come off as. From the beginning, there is something sweet about this production. It starts out as a cutesy tale (with fun opening titles) to become a strong drama filled with realistic truths that had they been heeded may have prevented much heartache. Rebecca is best known for her inspiring Christian pop albums, a career which has spanned a dozen plus years and more recently her devotions, but her biggest claim to fame is her stand for purity which inspired the moving hit single “Wait for Me." This was my first introduction to her as an actress, although I’ve been a fan otherwise for a number of years now. While she doesn’t have the obvious experience as others, Rebecca gives a charming, quietly beautiful portrayal of her character’s struggle to choose right vs. “convenience.”  That’s how Sarah justifies a possible abortion: she not only isn’t ready for a child but gets pressure from those around her to simply get “rid” of something that doesn’t have a mind or heart, but rather is a form of “cells” to be compared to a wart. Her decision either way will change her otherwise “perfect” world …

None of the actors give sweeping performances (meaning what we’ve become accustomed to in major Hollywood films) but give “real” performances that speak of realistic life experiences that can, if we allow it, be turned into lifelong learning experiences. And as such everyone gives a moving performance by those abilities; Julian Bailey was better than initially expected and managed to turn his character into a man of character before the end credits. The female “rocks” in the film are Sarah’s sister Denise and mother both of whom are solid Christians; Staci Keanan as Denise gave a worthy turn as an Aussie, even though she wasn’t. Rebecca’s sister, Libby even makes a cameo appearance. If there is one minor complaint I had about this production it would be that the Christian faith isn’t brought in as vehemently as I’d expected. It’s made clear that Sarah’s mother is a committed Christian who doesn’t approve of her daughter’s choices, but one scene which is supposed to bring the most relief, joy and peace instead remains anti-climatic, in part to how the actress played it, as the following remains touching and sweet, something you’d rooted for the entire runtime. Likewise the scene which finds Sarah discovering she’s pregnant was a bit bland considering that it should have been more shocking than it seemed. On the one hand you know there should be more emotion there, but also realize that she couldn’t be completely stunned in knowing the risks of pre-marital sex.

Somehow amidst all its positive messages and tender moments, this slips in a few things that while not terribly worrying should be taken into consideration for younger viewers. The whole theme of the film deals with an unwed pregnancy, a means for caution when considering young, impressionable minds. Leading up to Sarah’s discovery, each has a glimpse of how a child changes one's life (Matt through his uncle, Sarah through a sister and co-worker). A man admits he had to get married due to an unwanted pregnancy. There are references to abortions and a character seriously considers going that route; reading about the procedure, even making the call. Another woman admits she had one when she was in high school and recalls that her boyfriend fell apart because of it. Veiled references suggest birth control. A man plays some unkind tricks on his employer and later finds himself in a similar position. It’s suggested that Sarah and Matt drink.

Created and brought to DVD through the small, new-on-the-scene company Pure Flix, there are probably a great many in the Christian audience who would love seeing this succeed. If Sarah’s Choice is any indication of the things they can bring to the small screen, they should garner a name before long, if only among a smaller but stronger audience. This is an emotional journey not only for its titular character but the viewers. Some of the more poignant scenes involve a day of sledding and the end is especially touching and it remains a lovely story to watch with your teenagers. I look forward to Miss St. James next appearance on screen. The script is well-written with a just-in-time for Christmas twist in Christmas Carol-like scenarios.

One of the more beautiful things about this is the song specially written by Rebecca entitled “Little One." Not only is it a sort of letter to women who have lived this journey, but perhaps more insignificantly, a treat for her fans to finally hear some new music from a wonderful artist who’s been much missed in the music world.