The Order of Rights

The Order of Rights, directed by Jim Ball, is a powerful 2020 drama that intertwines themes of love, humanity, morality, and the deeply entrenched battle over abortion rights in America. The film primarily centers on Emma Stein (played by Emma Elle Roberts), a young woman faced with an unexpected teenage pregnancy, and the ensuing legal battle that drives a wedge between her and her boyfriend, Ethan Carpenter (Ben Davies).

The story kicks off when Emma, a high school student, discovers she's pregnant. Ethan, her devoted boyfriend, is the father, and upon hearing the news, asserts his willingness to marry Emma and provide for their unborn child. However, Emma’s parents are unyielding in their desire to maintain their daughter's reputation and future prospects. Consequently, driven by the fear of societal judgment and the weight of their daughter’s future, they insist on Emma having an abortion, despite her and Ethan’s spirited resistance.

When Emma complies under duress, Ethan, fueled by his vehement objection to the decision, takes an unconventional route to protest, by suing for the rights of their unborn child. In comes attorney, Gabriel DeMars (Richard Hoffman), who takes on the case in a move that surprises the legal community. DeMars goes against legal norms to set an unprecedented case - suing Emma’s parents and the abortion clinic. His aim is to prove that the unborn child is a person who possesses the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Shannen Fields plays the role of Ethan's mother, who grapples with her son's decisions and their consequences, while also trying to maintain her family's stability amidst rising tensions and emotional chaos.

Ethan's legal battle turns into a nationwide spectacle that serves as the movie’s central plot. It forces the characters, the courtroom, and the audience to examine the moral, legal, and human rights aspects of the abortion debate. Each character’s beliefs, values, and limits are challenged in this deeply controversial case, unearthing suppressed fears and quiet bravery.

This legal drama is a portrayal of people with varying perspectives on a widely misunderstood and debated subject. The characters on both sides of the argument are humanized, rather than demonized, fueling a nuanced look at a topic that usually sparks fierce, polarized debate.

The Order of Rights takes us on an empathetic journey through the deeply challenging times of the key characters, bringing to light their internal struggles and the societal pressures they face. It delves into the complexities and intricacies of abortion rights, offering viewers a chance to reconsider their beliefs and perspectives on this deeply polarizing issue.

The film, while it tackles a contentious issue, does so with maturity and sensitivity. Ball’s direction does a commendable job of maintaining a fine balance between the storytelling and the message that it carries. It's an unabashedly pro-life movie but offers scope for viewers to process the subject with empathy for differing perspectives.

Performances by the cast are commendable with Roberts and Davies giving stirring performances that pull at the heartstrings, effectively connecting with the audience. They convincingly portray the emotional turmoil of young adults caught up in an adult-size dilemma. Meanwhile, Hoffman shines in his role, bringing a composed intensity to his character that highlights the earnestness of his cause.

In summary, The Order of Rights is a poignant drama that brings to the fore an issue that is central and critical to American society and politics. The movie pushes past the usual talking points regarding the subject to stimulate a richer, deeper conversation. It's an emotionally charged film that explores complex ethical, moral and legal issues that will leave the audience grappling with their thoughts well past its conclusion. Although it strongly takes a stance, it respects the multi-dimensional nature of the abortion debate and aims to open inclusive dialogue, making it a must-watch for anyone seeking to understand the intricacies of this enduring debate better.