Breakthrough
A stirring, faith-based drama that plunges into the icy depths of despair before rising on the warmth of a mother's relentless prayer. It is a cinematic testament to the fragile thread between life, death, and miraculous surrender.
Breakthrough
Breakthrough

"Based On The Impossible True Story"

10 April 2019 United States of America 116 min ⭐ 7.6 (1,136)
Director: Roxann Dawson
Cast: Chrissy Metz, Josh Lucas, Topher Grace, Mike Colter, Marcel Ruiz
Drama
The Power of Prayer and Unyielding Faith Surrender vs. Control Community and Collective Healing Purpose and Survivor's Guilt
Budget: $14,000,000
Box Office: $49,200,000

Breakthrough - Characters & Cast

Character Analysis

JoyceSmith

ChrissyMetz

Archetype: TheFierceBeliever/Matriarch
Key Trait: Stubborn

Motivation

Driven by an all-consuming love for her adopted son and a desperate need to save his life against impossible medical odds.

Character Arc

Joycetransformsfromajudgmental, controllingmotherwhodictatesherenvironmentintoahumbledbelieverwholearnsthattruefaithrequiresrelinquishinghergripandtrustingGodcompletely, evenwiththepossibilityofloss[1.3].

John Smith

Marcel Ruiz

Archetype: The Lost Teenager
Key Trait: Guarded

Motivation

To figure out his identity, prove his worth, and understand his place in a world where he previously felt abandoned.

Character Arc

John begins as a rebellious teen struggling with feelings of rejection from his birth mother. Through his near-death experience, he awakens to the profound reality of how deeply he is cherished by his adoptive parents and his community.

Pastor Jason Noble

Topher Grace

Archetype: The Unlikely Mentor
Key Trait: Compassionate

Motivation

To connect with the youth of his congregation and provide genuine, unwavering support to his flock, even when they push him away.

Character Arc

Initially viewed as an annoying, overly-hip interloper by Joyce, Jason proves his spiritual mettle and pastoral dedication by refusing to leave the family's side during their darkest hours, eventually earning Joyce's deep respect.

Brian Smith

Josh Lucas

Archetype: The Realist / Grieving Father
Key Trait: Reserved

Motivation

To protect his own heart from unbearable grief while trying to keep his family grounded in medical reality.

Character Arc

Unlike his wife, Brian is paralyzed by the grim reality of the medical monitors. He initially retreats emotionally to protect himself from the pain, but eventually finds the courage to stand strong alongside his wife and son.

Tommy Shine

Mike Colter

Archetype: The Skeptic
Key Trait: Heroic

Motivation

To perform his duty effectively as a first responder, relying purely on logic, training, and tangible facts before the miraculous event.

Character Arc

An atheist first responder who is certain the rescue is just a body recovery. After hearing a mysterious voice guiding him to John's body, he is forced to confront the existence of a higher power and re-evaluate his worldview.

Cast

Chrissy Metz as Joyce Smith
Josh Lucas as Brian Smith
Topher Grace as Pastor Jason Noble
Mike Colter as Tommy Shine
Marcel Ruiz as John Smith
Sam Trammell as Dr. Kent Sutterer
Dennis Haysbert as Dr. Garrett
Maddy Martin as Abby Sutterer
Isaac Kragten as Josh
Nikolas Dukic as Reiger
Taylor Mosby as Chayla
Alissa Skovbye as Emma
Chuck Shamata as Chief Marlo
Nancy Sorel as Mrs. Abbott
Lisa Durupt as Paula Noble