DEEPWATER HORIZON: Love, Heroism & Faith amidst the Flames

Last week, Greg and I had the chance for a "date night" to see a prescreening of DEEPWATER HORIZON. Opening in theaters nationwide this weekend and based upon a tragic real-life story, the film boasts an all star cast and impactful special effects.

On April 20th, 2010, one of the world’s largest man-made disasters occurred on the Deepwater Horizon in the Gulf of Mexico.  Directed by Peter Berg (Lone Survivor), this story honors the brave men and women whose heroism would save many on board, and change everyone’s lives forever.

For a "real life" look at the 2010 disaster, check this article by the New York Times. The film's official trailer gives a terrific overview of not only the action, but also the heart and intensity of Director Peter Berg's vision for recreating this terrible disaster:

https://youtu.be/8yASbM8M2vg

Amidst non-stop action and pretty graphic explosion scenes that had me literally covering my eyes, I LOVED a few of the film's sub themes:

Married Love

Who doesn't love Mark Wahlberg? When paired with Kate Hudson, he's downright adorable. And she is too! Deepwater portrays the two as happily married long enough to have an elementary school daughter and still crazy enough about each other that they can't keep their hands of of one another. And it's adorable. In an age when most romance is reserved for non-traditional situations, this movie shows us a married couple deeply in love. Be sure to stay through the credits for a treat: a look at the real life heroes of the Deepwater Horizon, including the real Mike and Felicia Williams.

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Heroism

Mark Walhberg's Mike Williams is not the only hero in this movie. Gina Rodriguez plays a gritty but always professional Andrea Fleytas, who when the going gets rough gets super tough. But even beyond these two characters we discover "Mr. Jimmy" Harrell (Kurt Russell) doing whatever it takes to keep as many of his crew alive. And even minor members of the crew display moments of tremendous courage to protect and rescue their crewmates.

Faith

While this is not an obviously "faith-based" film, it's Louisiana setting makes Wahlberg's sign-of-the-cross-moment at the start of his shift feel authentic. Also touching is a moment after the terrific calamity when the entire crew takes a knee to pray the Our Father together. These small touches show that faith can be introduced into any film authentically. Their inclusion reminded me to pray for the many victims of the Deepwater Horizon tragedy and for those who surely still miss their loved ones.

Opening this weekend nationwide, the film is rated PG-13 for prolonged intense disaster sequences and related disturbing images, and brief strong language and an AIII (for adults) from Catholic News Service (review here). It's not a film for the kiddos, but if you're looking for an awesome date night for you and hubby, I highly recommend it!

For More Information:

• Official Site: http://www.DeepwaterHorizon.Movie
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeepwaterHorizonMovie
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/DWHMovie
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DeepwaterHorizonMovie

Copyright 2016 Lisa M. Hendey

Photo credits David Lee, used with permission