Redeeming Love

Christian ‘grey’.

Through the Looking Glass: Abigail Cowen

Inspired by the Old Testament’s Book of Hosea, Francine Rivers’ steamy historical romance was originally published in the mainstream in 1991 and, according to Rivers, “died a quick death”. When the author obtained the rights, she revised and resurrected the novel for the Christian market in 1997 to best-seller success. Thirty-one years after its initial publication, the romance reaches the big screen in the unlikely hands of director D.J. Caruso (xXx: Return of Xander Cage), with a competent cast and high production values sure to appease faithful readers.

During the 1850s’ Gold Rush, California farmer Michael Hosea (Tom Lewis) makes a routine trip to the nearby town ‘Pair-a-Dice’ to sell his wares. It’s love at first sight when he lays eyes on the beautiful Angel (Abigail Cowen). After learning she’s the town’s highest paid harlot, Michael receives a revelation from God telling him to make this woman his wife. Michael spends his nights wooing her, refusing the courtesan’s services in favour of conversation. Angel is annoyed by his ardent affection and rejects his proposal of marriage, but begins to wonder about life beyond the brothel walls.

Abigail Cowen is a captivating presence, but the narrative’s hesitancy to go deeper jettisons much of the story’s potential power. The book apparently delves further into Michael’s conversations with God, but there’s little of that here. He remains unwaveringly faithful and seems to do so with ease. His lack of an arc gives off the impression that Angel need only submit to a saintly man to achieve salvation. The intended parable becomes about as clear as a muddy glass of water. On a positive note, proceeds from the film have helped director Caruso’s wife Holly, author Rivers and producer Cindy Bond found ‘The Redeeming Love Sanctuary Foundation’, which financially supports non-profit organizations on the front lines of sex trafficking and helps the survivors of abuse. 

CHAD KENNERK

Cast: Abigail Cowen, Tom Lewis, Nina Dobrev, Logan Marshall-Green, Eric Dane, Famke Janssen, Livi Birch, Jamie-Lee O'Donnell, Willie Watson.

Dir D.J. Caruso, Pro Cindy Bond, Brittany Yost, Simon Swart, Wayne Fitzjohn and Michael Scott, Screenplay Francine Rivers and D.J. Caruso, from the novel by Francine Rivers, Ph Rogier Stoffers, Pro Des Johnny Breedt, Ed Jim Page, Music Brian Tyler and Breton Vivian, Costumes Moira Anne Meyer, Sound Peter Staubli and Randy Torres. 

Nthibah Pictures/Pinnacle Peak Pictures/Mission Pictures International-Universal Pictures.
134 mins. USA. 2022. US Rel: 21 January 2022. Cert. PG-13.