Elijah Peel movie review by Movie Review Mom

MOVIE TITLE: Elijah Peel

This faith-filled movie releases in theaters on August 14, 2026.

RATING: PG-13

LENGTH: 1 hour 38 minutes

Movie Review Mom GRADE: B

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IN A NUTSHELL:

A heartfelt yet suspenseful drama about overcoming personal trials, finding purpose, and the power of unexpected second chances. It balances grounded emotional moments with a few mysterious twists along the way! Inspired by a true story, a rock star self-destructs and ends up on a long road to recovery in a hospital, where he meets a spirited young girl who helps him begin his journey toward healing and faith.

The executive producers of this charming film are Willi and Korie Robertson from Duck Dynasty and The Blind. The film was written by Miami-based filmmaker Kevin D. Sepe, who drew from his own past experiences with addition and near-death moments before finding faith and turning his life around. Already, the film has won three awards at the International Christian Film Festival. The film marks the debut performance of Evelyn Grace Kite, who made history this past May as the youngest-ever recipient of the International Christian Film Festival’s Best Actress award.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Mild thematic elements and emotional drama involving loss and grief.
Some tense situations and mild action/violence.
A few moments of light profanity, but overall family-friendly for teens and adults.
Smoking, reckless behavior, texting while driving, drugs, alcohol
So much cleavage
I appreciate that F-bombs are replaced with words like “fricken” and the British “bloody.” Thank you. I’m soooo tired of movies overflowing with F-bombs. This film is refreshing.

THEMES:

Redemption and second chances.
Overcoming hardship and grief.
Faith, hope, and forgiveness.
The importance of community and supporting one another.
Self-destructive behavior
Searching for peace

THINGS I LIKED:

Earnest, heartfelt performances from the lead cast that make you truly root for the characters.
I love seeing Kevin Sorbo in Christian movies because he hasn’t hidden away his Christian faith.
Evelyn Grace Kite is a little gem. I hope to see more of her. She has a bright future.
Robert Malcolm Cumming makes for a believable rock star. April Billingsley gives us a fiercely protective, loving mother. I also loved Princess Elmore’s tough love and testimony.
Lovely cinematography that sets a grounded, thoughtful tone throughout.
Uplifting core message about hope that leaves you feeling inspired.
The opening screen shows a scripture from Romans 8:18, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
Nice soundtrack.
I love the playful moments when Elijah and Jessica are visiting with each other.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

The pacing drags a bit in the middle act before picking back up for the finale.
A few character choices feel slightly predictable if you’re a fan of indie dramas.

FUNNY LINES:

“You are going to get a lot more out of this than she ever will.” – Maria Sanchez (April Billingsley)

INTERESTING LINES:

“If you truly understood Jesus loves you, you wouldn’t try to die.” – Jessica Sanchez (Evelyn Grace Kite)
“I’ve never been so clear-headed in my life.” – Elijah Peel (Robert Malcolm Cumming)
“I’m turning this whole thing into a monastery.” – Elijah talking about his previous party house
“You got Jesus and I got a dead career.” – Rock Diamond (Kevin Sorbo)
“That notion of ‘worthy…you? me? We will never be worthy enough.” – Hattie talking about God’s grace (Princess Elmore)

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Dr. Trina Boice is a university professor, author of 36 books, professional author coach, YouTuber, podcaster, film critic, and mom of 4 awesome sons.