INDY Reviews: I Can Only Imagine

By Benjamin Mandile

The newly released film, I Can Only Imagine tells the story behind MercyMe’s hit song, I Can Only Imagine, which is arguably one of the most famous songs in the Christian music industry.

The film bases its plot on the life of Bart Millard, the lead singer of MercyMe as it takes the viewer on a journey from his childhood that is filled with emotional and physical abuse from his father (played by Dennis Quaid) to Millard releasing MercyMe’s most famous song. The film works as an analysis of his life and shows the interconnectedness of the decisions he has made.

This film has the ability to put the viewer on an emotional rollercoaster throughout the entire film due to the rawness and relatability to both the characters and the story. Although Bart’s pain and demons arise from abuse, the viewer is able to still have an understanding of him as a person through the dialogue written for his character.

The movie is a reminder to the different struggles people face in their lives.

The story leaves the viewer on the edge of welling up throughout the entire film as the audience is left to watch Millard and his band struggle to put themselves on the map as a Christian band. Bart and his band face different setbacks including rejection and the death of Bart Millard’s father but much of the emotion and tears come from the scenes depicting Arthur Millard’s consistent abuse of Bart. This abuse derives from Bart’s father not fulfilling his own dreams.

The real emotional tango though are the scenes are filled with heartfelt moments between Millard and his father who finds both peace and forgiveness through religion and reconciliation with his son. It is through this reconciliation that Bart was able to write the song I Can Only Imagine and help put MercyMe on the map.

As said during the film the song I Can Only Imagine has been a beacon of light for people who are in the midst of difficult times. The same can be said about the film that was adapted from Bart Millard’s life.  

This film makes the audience ponder their own relationships, mistakes and notions of forgiveness through the examination of Arthur and Bart’s relationship.

I Can Only Imagine is now playing at local theaters.