The Favorite

The Favorite is an emotional and spiritually engaging film directed by Curtis Graham. The heart-rending family drama stars prominent actor John Schneider, and talented young artists, Luke Benjamin Bernard, who also co-wrote the story, and Matthew Fahey. Released in 2019, The Favorite explores love, competition, faith, and self-discovery as it portrays a captivating story of sibling rivalry and its profound consequences.

The film primarily revolves around the lives of the Bernard brothers, Benjamin (Luke Benjamin Bernard) and Luke (Matthew Fahey), sons of idiosyncratic yet strong and faithful Daniel Bernard, played by John Schneider. Daniel is a successful author who, with his firm belief in God, imparts the values and doctrines of Christianity to his sons. As a father figure, Schneider sets the tone for the familial dynamic and spiritual underpinning of the narrative.

Benjamin and Luke, although sharing a common upbringing, could not be more different. Luke, the older of the two, is a star swimmer, popular among his peers, an overall exemplary son. Ben, on the other hand, is the black sheep of the family, wrestling with his own insecurities, feeling constantly overshadowed by his elder brother. He may seem to outsiders the less-accomplished, less-favored son.

The tumultuous rapport between the two brothers intensifies after an unfortunate car accident leaves Benjamin in a critical condition. Now, Ben finds himself in an uncharted territory, wherein he starts personnel findings his true self, and potentially his "favorite" status in his father's heart.

Luke Benjamin Bernard delivers a compelling performance as Benjamin, channeling empathy, vulnerability, and finally revelation beautifully and convincingly. His intriguing journey is one that leads him from resentment to acceptance, from darkness to light. By contrast, Matthew Fahey, as Luke, brilliantly personifies the quintessential golden child whose life becomes overshadowed by guilt and desperation after the accident.

As a deeply spiritual film, The Favorite demonstrates how faith and prayer can be powerful tools for healing and reconciliation. It reinforces the idea that God's love and favor are not limited to certain individuals but encompasses all. The movie integrates many biblical references and theological touchstones, using them as important plot devices and character-building elements.

The Favorite also serves an exploration of perspectives on favoritism between siblings, parental love, and how different people deal with catastrophic situations. It conveys a clear message about the significance of God's love in overcoming personal weaknesses and worldly challenges and how trials can serve as a transformative journey towards self-discovery and spiritual awakening.

The narrative’s structure, often oscillating between present situations and flashbacks, helps viewers understand the dynamic between the characters and the individual struggles they bear. The cinematography is excellent, and the depiction of changing emotional shades is engaging. The film carefully unravels glossy suburban life and its underlying tensions while placing important emphasis on Christian ethos.

The direction coupled with the emotional delivery of dialogue serves as a testament to the versatility of Curtis Graham. His skillful direction prompts deep introspection on the themes presented. The movie’s diverse score, ranging from moving orchestral pieces to contemporary Christian songs, significantly contributes to the overall depth and experience it offers.

Overall, The Favorite is a refreshing take in the realm of faith-based films. It transcends being just a family drama. Instead, it serves as a riveting spiritual tale marked by forgiveness, reconciliation, redemption, and divine love. The movie chooses to highlight God's personal and intimate connection with individuals, without shying away from presenting the brutal realities of life.

In essence, The Favorite is a thought-provoking, emotionally charged drama that effectively carries its themes of faith, family, and forgiveness. Serving both as a moving story of personal transformation and an exploration of spiritual devotion, the film is most likely to resonate deeply with viewers of faith, at the same time offering universal themes that could appeal to a general audience. The Favorite succeeds in delivering an emotional and impactful message about overcoming adversity, personal growth, and the power of faith.