The novel ‘The Blind’ by Andrew Hyatt provides a view into the lives of the Robertsons, the family made famous by ‘Duck Dynasty.’ Phil Robertson (Aron von Andrian), a struggling duck hunter who subsequently establishes a successful business, is the protagonist of the series. Big Al (Connor Tillman) is responsible for introducing Phil to his many dependencies. His devoted wife Kay (Amelia Eve) is able to endure even the most difficult of circumstances. It chronicles Phil’s transformation from a violent addict to one who received Jesus with the assistance of his wife and sister.
This story is set in 1960s Louisiana and is about the importance of family, learning to forgive, and the difficulties Phil encounters on his journey to eventually find redemption and be saved. We all desire to view such moving tales that inspire us in some fashion. Here is a list of films that will undoubtedly appeal to your emotional side if you are also looking for something inspirational. The majority of these films similar to ‘The Blind’ are available on Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime.
Beautiful Boy (2018)
Beautiful Boy, directed by Felix van Groeningen and based on a memoir by David Sheff, examines a father-son relationship between Steve Carell as Sheff and Timothee Chalamet as his son Nic Sheff. It focuses on a son’s battle with drug addiction and his father’s participation in his recovery. While Nic feels the strain to live up to his father’s expectations, David manages his own so that his son can learn to live independently. While ‘The Blind’ does not examine this type of family dynamic, it does explore themes of forgiveness within the family and the pursuit of redemption by a character who believes he has no hope.
Father Stu (2022)
Mark Wahlberg gives life to the true tale of a lost soul struggling to find his way after an injury ends his boxing career in ‘Father Stu,’ in which he also stars. Stuart Long is an agnostic who falls in love with a Christian woman and desires to impress her. His true life begins after a near-fatal bicycle accident, when he decides to become a priest and help others receive the second chance God gave him.
Quite similar to Phil in ‘The Blind,’ this former sinner receives the opportunity of redemption by coming to terms with his flaws and giving in to faith. In the same way that Phil’s faith in Jesus saves him from a path of ultimate destruction, Long in Rosalind Ross’s ‘Father Stu’ gives up his old self-destructive habits to become someone who wants to assist himself and others.
Forgiven (2016)
In this thriller-drama, in which a pastor and his two daughters are held captive in a church by a man who appears beyond redemption, the themes of redemption and forgiveness are explored at length. Elizabeth, portrayed by Jenn Gotzon in Kevan Otto’s ‘Forgiven,’ does her best to assist James, portrayed by Casey Fuller, in overcoming his transgressions. James shoots his girlfriend inadvertently and holds his family hostage in a church to evade the authorities right outside, while Elizabeth assists him with the Bible. In the same way that Kay plays a significant role in her husband’s forgiveness in “The Blind,” Elizabeth acts as an anchor for James in this film to help him make the correct decision in this difficult situation.
Jesus Revolution (2023)
Jon Erwin and Brent McCorkle’s ‘Jesus Revolution,’ a film about a pervasive spiritual awakening in the early 1970s, questions the traditional concept of faith and how we can make the world a better place by accepting those who appear different from us. And when the hippie minister Lonnie Frisbee (Jonathan Roumie) persuades Pastor Chuck Smith (Kelsey Grammer) to welcome like-minded youths into his church, some changes take place that people do not appear to understand. This uplifting story about acceptance parallels the message of forgiveness and redemption in ‘The Blind,’ in which everyone merits a second chance and a place in God’s church.
Purgatory (1999)
Purgatory, starring Eric Roberts and Sam Shepard and directed by Uli Edel, follows the personal journey of outlaws as they pursue self-discovery and redemption. This intriguing Western fantasy film brings the outlaws to a mysterious town where the residents remind them of their former selves and lost innocence. After realising that they are trapped in purgatory, they must decide how they will alter their behaviour to pursue redemption. Similar to ‘The Blind,’ this film demonstrates that even the most sinful and apparently damned individuals can have hope and receive forgiveness for their transgressions if they choose to change their ways and seek a better path.
Smashed (2012)
Aaron Paul, best known for his portrayal as Jesse Pinkman in ‘Breaking Bad,’ portrays a husband whose relationship with his wife is based on their shared love of alcohol. In James Ponsoldt’s ‘Smashed,’ when she decides to stop drinking and seeks assistance, even if he doesn’t, it tends to confound their relationship. In this situation, while one of them has discovered redemption, the other must determine how to best live with it. Similar to ‘The Blind’, this film examines alcoholism and coping with its consequences. In addition, these films provide a view of what lies beyond this addiction.
The Dreamseller (2016)
Originally titled ‘O Vendedor de Sonhos,’ the Brazilian drama film about hope revolves around Júlio César, a depressed psychologist (Dan Stulbach), and the man he encounters on the street, Mellon (César Troncoso). The latter is also the dream vendor in ‘The Dreamseller’ who prevents Jlio César from taking his own life and impresses not only Jlio César but the entire world with his approach to life and appreciation for the small things.
He simply desires to assist others comprehend the value of love. The 2016 film, directed by Jayme Monjardim and Luca Bueno, is based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Augusto Cury. While Robertson is saved by Jesus in ‘The Blind’ in order to lead a better life, Mellon arrives as a saviour for Jlio and the world in order to teach them the importance of relationships over the pursuit of wealth. Both films explore the concept of second chances and the capacity for redemption.
Wayward: The Prodigal Son (2014)
This film starring Landon Henneman and directed by Rob Diamond follows the narrative of a spoiled and rebellious young man named Tyler McMillan. Tyler, oblivious to the fact that his supportive and loving father is dying of cancer, obtains access to and spends all of his inheritance, and even gets into trouble with dangerous people. Tyler’s father desires nothing but the best for him, but he also recognises the importance of Tyler experiencing reality on his own. Tyler endures hell in the end, but just as in ‘The Blind,’ his family understands he is not irredeemable and will ultimately find his way. Both of these films address religion and the importance of family support for a lost mind.
