Lucy Shimmers and the Prince of Peace
Overview
"Lucy Shimmers and the Prince of Peace" is a family drama centered around a precocious and deeply faithful five-year-old girl named Lucy. When she falls critically ill with pneumonia and is hospitalized during the holiday season, her spirit remains unbroken. Lucy believes she is guided by her deceased grandfather, who she sees as her guardian angel, on a mission to spread love and hope.
Her primary focus becomes a hardened criminal named Edgar, who is also a patient in the hospital suffering from kidney failure. Despite her parents' reservations, Lucy forms an unlikely and transformative friendship with Edgar. Through her unwavering faith and innocent compassion, she begins to break through his hardened exterior, encouraging him to seek forgiveness and reconnect with his estranged family. The film explores themes of redemption, the power of childlike faith, and finding hope in the most desperate of circumstances, leading to an emotionally charged conclusion.
Core Meaning
The central message of "Lucy Shimmers and the Prince of Peace" is about the power of faith, forgiveness, and second chances. Director Rob Diamond aimed to convey a message of hope, love, and forgiveness, particularly in a time of global need. The film posits that no one is beyond redemption and that the simple, non-judgmental love exemplified by a child can be a powerful catalyst for change. Lucy's character embodies the idea that faith is not just a belief system, but an active force that can bring light to the darkest of situations and inspire profound transformation in others. It suggests that miracles can happen when people open their hearts to love and belief, as seen in Edgar's journey from despair to hope.
Thematic DNA
Faith and Belief
Faith is the cornerstone of the film, demonstrated through Lucy's unwavering belief in Jesus, her guardian angel grandfather, and the inherent goodness of people. Her childlike faith is presented as a pure and powerful force that allows her to see beyond Edgar's criminal past and touch his heart. The film explores how this faith not only guides Lucy's actions but also inspires a spiritual awakening in the cynical adults around her.
Redemption and Second Chances
Edgar's character arc is a clear illustration of this theme. As a hardened criminal who has lost hope and is estranged from his family, he believes he is unworthy of forgiveness. Lucy's persistent kindness and faith-filled encouragement offer him a path to redemption. The film champions the idea that everyone deserves a second chance, regardless of their past mistakes, and that forgiveness is essential for healing.
Innocence and Childhood Wisdom
Lucy, a five-year-old, is the wisest character in the film. Her innocence allows her to love unconditionally and ask profound questions that challenge adult prejudices, such as, "If Jesus can love him, why can't we?" The film suggests that the pure, untainted perspective of a child can cut through cynicism and reveal fundamental truths about love and acceptance. Lucy's character is a testament to the idea that wisdom isn't always tied to age and experience.
Love and Compassion
The film's emotional core is built on the theme of love and compassion. Lucy's actions are driven by a deep love for everyone she meets, a love she believes comes from Jesus. Her compassion for Edgar, a man society has written off, is the catalyst for the entire story. The movie posits that love and kindness are transformative forces capable of mending broken relationships and healing wounded souls.
Character Analysis
Lucy Shimmers
Scarlett Diamond
Motivation
Her primary motivation is to spread the love of Jesus and fulfill the mission she believes she has received in her dreams: to help the "sad man," Edgar. She is driven by an unwavering faith and a pure desire to bring hope and healing to those who are suffering.
Character Arc
Lucy does not have a traditional character arc of change; rather, she is the catalyst for change in others. She begins the film as a deeply faithful and compassionate child and remains so until the end. Her journey is one of fulfilling a divine mission she believes she has been given, even in the face of her own mortality. Her steadfastness in her beliefs and love is what transforms the world around her.
Edgar Ruiz
Vincent Vargas
Motivation
Initially, Edgar has no motivation and has given up on life. As Lucy's influence grows, his motivation shifts to wanting to be worthy of her faith in him. He becomes motivated by the possibility of forgiveness from his family and the hope of a future he never thought possible.
Character Arc
Edgar begins as a hardened, hopeless criminal, estranged from his family and resigned to his fate of dying from kidney failure. Through his interactions with Lucy, he undergoes a profound transformation. He moves from cynicism and despair to hope, forgiveness, and a desire to reconnect with his family. Lucy's selfless love breaks down his emotional walls, leading him to accept a second chance at life.
James Shimmers
Adam Hightower
Motivation
His main motivation is the protection and well-being of his daughter, Lucy. He is concerned about her illness and her interactions with a convicted criminal, which drives his initial resistance to her friendship with Edgar.
Character Arc
James, Lucy's father, starts as a protective but skeptical parent. He loves his daughter deeply but struggles to understand her spiritual experiences, often dismissing her visions of Grandpa Jackson as an overactive imagination. His arc involves moving from skepticism to belief, as he witnesses the undeniable impact Lucy has on Edgar and eventually comes to accept the reality of her spiritual connection.
Grandpa Jackson
Shawn Stevens
Motivation
His motivation is to watch over and guide his beloved granddaughter, Lucy. He acts as a messenger and helper from the spiritual realm, ensuring Lucy can fulfill her purpose of changing hearts before her time on earth is over.
Character Arc
As a spiritual being, Grandpa Jackson doesn't have a personal arc of change. His role is to guide and support Lucy. He serves as her confidant and spiritual mentor, helping her navigate her mission. His consistent presence provides a tangible link to the film's spiritual themes.
Symbols & Motifs
Lucy's Handmade Book
The book Lucy is creating, titled "Lucy Shimmers and the Prince of Peace," symbolizes her mission and her understanding of the world. It represents her faith in action, as she illustrates the story of Jesus, the "sad man" (Edgar), and herself, mapping out a path of redemption and connection before it even happens.
Lucy is shown working on the book throughout the film, both at home and in the hospital. It is a physical manifestation of her dreams and her divine inspiration, serving as a tool to explain her purpose to the adults around her and eventually to connect with Edgar.
Grandpa Jackson (The Angel)
Grandpa Jackson, who appears to Lucy as an angel, symbolizes divine guidance, comfort, and the connection between the earthly and spiritual realms. He represents the idea that loved ones are still with us and that there is help from a higher power, especially for those with pure faith.
Grandpa Jackson appears only to Lucy, offering her advice, comfort, and even help in her mission to reach Edgar. His presence is a source of confusion for the adults but is a concrete reality for Lucy, validating her unique spiritual sensitivity. He ultimately guides her into the afterlife.
Memorable Quotes
Jesus loves him, why can't we?
— Lucy Shimmers
Context:
Lucy says this to her father, James, when he expresses his concern and disapproval of her wanting to befriend Edgar, a convict. It is a pivotal moment that forces her father to confront his own biases.
Meaning:
This quote encapsulates the core message of the film. It is a simple yet profound challenge to adult prejudice and judgment. Lucy questions why her father is afraid of Edgar when, in her eyes, everyone is deserving of love from the highest power. It highlights the theme of unconditional love and non-judgment.
We don't always get what we want... but we always get what we need.
— Unknown in Trailer
Context:
This line is featured prominently in the film's trailers, setting a philosophical tone for the narrative. It frames the unfolding story as one where divine will provides what is ultimately needed for the characters' spiritual journeys.
Meaning:
This line speaks to the film's theme of divine providence and fate. It suggests that even tragic events, like Lucy's illness and death, are part of a larger, meaningful plan. It offers a framework for understanding suffering as something that can lead to a necessary, albeit painful, outcome, such as Edgar's redemption.
Philosophical Questions
Can childlike faith offer a purer, more effective form of wisdom than adult experience and cynicism?
The film champions this idea through Lucy. Her unwavering and non-judgmental faith allows her to achieve what adults cannot: the transformation of a hardened criminal. While the adults are constrained by societal rules, fear, and prejudice, Lucy operates on a plane of pure belief and love. The film asks the audience to consider whether the cynicism that often comes with age is a barrier to profound human connection and spiritual truth.
What is the nature of sacrifice and is redemption worth the ultimate price?
Lucy's story culminates in the ultimate sacrifice: she gives her life, and her kidney, so that Edgar may live. The film frames this as a triumphant and meaningful act, aligning it with Christian teachings of selfless love. It forces the viewer to confront the weight of this sacrifice, asking whether one person's redemption, even a criminal's, is worth the life of an innocent child. The ending suggests that from a spiritual perspective, such a sacrifice has profound, positive repercussions that outweigh the tragedy.
To what extent should faith override worldly logic and fear?
Lucy's parents, particularly her father, represent the struggle between faith and logic. James's fear for his daughter's safety around Edgar is logical and rational. However, Lucy operates purely on faith, which ultimately proves to be the correct path for achieving a greater good. The film explores this tension, suggesting that true faith often requires setting aside conventional fears and trusting in a divine plan that may not be immediately understandable.
Alternative Interpretations
While the film presents its narrative as a straightforward story of faith and miracles, some viewers offer alternative interpretations. One perspective is to view the supernatural elements, particularly the presence of Grandpa Jackson as an angel, as a psychological manifestation of Lucy's own inner strength and wisdom, filtered through the religious lens her parents have provided. From this viewpoint, her conversations with her grandfather are a way for her to process her illness and her mission to help Edgar. Another interpretation could be a more critical one, suggesting the film uses emotional manipulation, particularly the tragic illness of a child, to promote a specific religious message. The ending, where Lucy dies but her act saves Edgar, could be interpreted not just as a beautiful sacrifice but as a somber reflection on the often-unjust nature of life, where innocence is lost for the redemption of the guilty.
Cultural Impact
"Lucy Shimmers and the Prince of Peace" is a faith-based film that found its audience within the Christian and family-oriented film market. Released in late 2020, its themes of hope, forgiveness, and human connection resonated with viewers during the isolating time of the COVID-19 pandemic. The film's creation was deeply rooted in the Utah local film community, with director Rob Diamond utilizing local talent, including many of his own acting students. Critically, the film was not widely reviewed by mainstream outlets but was praised by faith-based organizations like The Dove Foundation for its positive messages, though some noted theological liberties, such as the depiction of a deceased grandfather as an angel. Audiences have generally responded positively to its emotional weight and heartfelt message, with many calling it a tear-jerker. While not a major cinematic release, it has become a staple on streaming services like Amazon Prime and Pure Flix, often recommended as a modern Christmas classic for families seeking uplifting content. The performance of the young lead, Scarlett Diamond, has been consistently highlighted as a standout element.
Audience Reception
Audience reception for "Lucy Shimmers and the Prince of Peace" is largely polarized, often depending on the viewer's appreciation for faith-based films. Many viewers praise the movie for its powerful emotional impact and heartfelt message of hope, forgiveness, and love, with numerous reviews mentioning that the film is a "tear-jerker." The performance of the lead child actress, Scarlett Diamond, is almost universally acclaimed as captivating and the highlight of the film. However, a significant point of criticism from some viewers is the quality of the acting from the adult cast, which is sometimes described as poor or amateurish. Another common critique is the film's overtly religious nature, which some find heavy-handed or preachy. Despite these criticisms, the film holds a high audience score on platforms like Fandango, indicating that it resonates strongly with its target demographic of families and Christian viewers.
Interesting Facts
- The film was inspired by a dream that director Rob Diamond had on his birthday in December 2018. He wrote the first draft of the screenplay in just three weeks.
- The lead actress, Scarlett Diamond, who plays Lucy, is the real-life granddaughter of the director, Rob Diamond. This was her first major speaking role at five years old.
- The final day of filming was literally the day before the world shut down in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The movie was filmed entirely on location in Salt Lake City and Heber, Utah.
- Director Rob Diamond also runs an acting studio, and many of the actors in the film were his current or former students.
- "Lucy Shimmers and the Prince of Peace" is Rob Diamond's 15th feature film.
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