Miracles from Heaven: A Heartfelt True Story of Faith, Hope, and Healing

Miracles from Heaven is a 2016 American Christian drama film directed by Patricia Riggen, based on the true story recounted in Christy Beam's memoir about her young daughter Anna's near-death experience and miraculous healing from a chronic, incurable intestinal disorder. The film stars Jennifer Garner as Christy Beam, Kylie Rogers as Anna Beam, Martin Henderson as Kevin Beam, Eugenio Derbez as Dr. Nurko, Queen Latifah as Angela, and John Carroll Lynch as Pastor Scott.

The narrative centers on Anna's debilitating illness and her family's emotional and spiritual struggle as Christy desperately seeks medical treatment to save her daughter. After Anna suffers a severe accident—falling and becoming trapped inside a hollow tree trunk—she is miraculously cured of her illness upon her rescue. The film explores themes of faith, hope, and the power of both extraordinary and everyday miracles. The story also sensitively portrays Anna's hospital experiences and the family's challenges, including moments of lost faith and personal despair balanced with the support of their community and church.

Jennifer Garner delivers a compelling performance as Christy, showcasing a mother's determination, vulnerability, and evolving faith. Young Kylie Rogers impressively portrays Anna's strength and optimism despite her suffering. The supporting cast, including Eugenio Derbez as the caring specialist Dr. Nurko and Queen Latifah as a compassionate waitress Angela, add warmth and humanity to the story.

The film effectively depicts the intimidating medical environment from Anna's perspective and stresses the importance of small acts of kindness and love as everyday miracles alongside the film’s central supernatural event. It blends the spiritual with the relatable human struggles of the family, making the story accessible and touching to a broad audience beyond just faith-based viewers.

Although the visual effects depicting Anna's near-death experience in heaven are somewhat stylised and not the film's strong suit, the overall emotional impact is significant. Some viewers may find the film's sentimental tone heavy at times, but its message of hope, the complexity of faith under trial, and the affirmation of miracles in daily life resonate strongly.

Miracles from Heaven is an uplifting family drama grounded in real-life events, anchored by strong performances and heartfelt storytelling. It offers a moving exploration of faith, love, and the extraordinary power of miracles in the ordinary world.

Main Characters

• Christy Beam (Jennifer Garner): The devoted mother fighting for her daughter’s health while struggling with her faith.
• Anna Beam (Kylie Rogers): The young girl suffering from a chronic intestinal disease who experiences a miraculous healing.
• Kevin Beam (Martin Henderson): Anna’s father providing support to his family.
• Dr. Nurko (Eugenio Derbez): The compassionate specialist treating Anna.
• Angela (Queen Latifah): A kind waitress who befriends Christy and Anna during their ordeal.
• Pastor Scott (John Carroll Lynch): The family’s pastor who offers spiritual guidance.

This blend of heartfelt drama, true story inspiration, and faith elements makes Miracles from Heaven a poignant film with a message of hope and healing.