A Midnight Clear (2006)

One Christmas Eve we find that random acts of kindness can change everything... one person at a time. That's the basic premise of A Midnight Clear, a very good Christian film that leaves the preaching for the pulpit and leaves the dense storyline to the cinema.

The film follows the lives of many people who intertwine throughout the night. There's Lefty, played by Stephen Baldwin, who's just lost his job and is on the verge of losing his family. There's Eva, played by K Callan, who struggles with loneliness and a fragile existence and ponders about taking her own life. And Kirk, played by Kirk B.R. Woller, who runs his own gas station on the outskirts of town. And, finally, Mary, the wife of a brain damaged husband recovering from a car accident a year earlier who, on Christmas Eve, finds herself stuck at the gas station with her car broken down and her nerves near the breaking point.

Each of these people are broken, lonely and feel as if they are helpless to overcome their current situations. Over the course of the story we find their simple acts of kindness toward each other propel them forward toward self realization, responsibility and healing.

The story is quite strong and the performances rock solid. The film was originally a 20 minute short that was extended and re-shot into this touching feature film. Fortunately, this is not one of those low-budget Christian flicks that bashes you over the head with Bible verses and dire warnings. This is a human drama of faith filled people struggling within themselves. Writer Wes Halua and director Dallas Jenkins weave a fine and moving tale. The production quality lives up to Hollywood standards and film will stay with you after its over.

One fine flick.