Breakthrough (2019)

A faith-driven drama about a mother's unwavering belief and a teenage boy's miraculous survival against all medical odds.

Breakthrough - Movie Information

  • Original Title: Breakthrough
  • Release Year: 2019
  • Directed by: Roxann Dawson
  • Type: Movie
  • Genres: Drama
  • Age Rating (US): PG
  • Runtime: 1h 56m
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English
  • Release Date (Theatrical): April 10, 2019 (Philippines), April 18, 2019 (United States – PG), April 17, 2019 (Canada), May 17, 2019 (United Kingdom – 12A), May 16, 2019 (Germany – 12), June 19, 2019 (France), April 18, 2019 (Australia), April 11, 2019 (Brazil – 10), June 27, 2019 (Italy)
  • Alternative Titles: 브레이크스루 (KR), Tilbage til livet (DK)
  • Production Companies: Fox 2000 Pictures, 20th Century Fox
  • Production Countries: United States of America

Breakthrough - Plot

Tragedy strikes when a woman named Joyce's son falls through the ice on a frozen lake and is trapped underwater for over 15 minutes. After being rushed to the hospital, the 14-year-old boy continues to fight for his life as Joyce, her husband and their pastor stay by his bedside and pray for a miracle.

Breakthrough - Trailer

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Based On The Impossible True Story

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Breakthrough - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • Roxann Dawson

Main Cast

  • Chrissy Metz
  • Josh Lucas
  • Topher Grace
  • Mike Colter
  • Marcel Ruiz
  • Sam Trammell
  • Dennis Haysbert
  • Maddy Martin
  • Isaac Kragten
  • Nikolas Dukic

Writers

  • Grant Nieporte

Producers

  • DeVon Franklin

Breakthrough - FAQs

Is Breakthrough based on a true story?

Yes, Breakthrough is based on the true story of John Smith, a teenager from Missouri who fell through frozen Lake Sainte Louise in 2015 and was submerged for over 15 minutes. His mother Joyce's prayers and the efforts of first responders are credited with his miraculous recovery. The film is adapted from Joyce Smith's memoir.

What really happened to John Smith in Breakthrough?

In January 2015, 14-year-old John Smith fell through the ice on Lake Sainte Louise in Missouri and was submerged for over 15 minutes. He was pulled out with no pulse and showed no signs of life for nearly an hour. After his mother Joyce prayed over him, his pulse spontaneously returned, leading doctors to describe his survival as medically inexplicable.

Who are the main actors in Breakthrough?

Breakthrough stars Chrissy Metz as Joyce Smith, Josh Lucas as Brian Smith, Marcel Ruiz as John Smith, Topher Grace as Pastor Jason Noble, Mike Colter as Tommy Shine, Sam Trammell as Dr. Kent Sutterer, and Dennis Haysbert as Dr. Garrett.

What is Breakthrough about?

Breakthrough follows Joyce Smith, whose adopted teenage son John falls through a frozen lake and is submerged for over 15 minutes. Declared clinically dead, John is rushed to hospital where Joyce, her husband, and their pastor pray fervently for a miracle. The film explores faith, family, and the power of belief in the face of impossible odds.

What is the age rating for Breakthrough?

Breakthrough is rated PG in the United States, making it suitable for general audiences with parental guidance suggested for younger children. The film contains emotionally intense scenes involving a child's near-death experience but no graphic violence or strong language.

Where can I stream Breakthrough online?

Breakthrough is available to stream on fuboTV and YouTube TV. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Availability may vary by region. Check JustWatch for the most current streaming options in your area.

How long is the movie Breakthrough?

Breakthrough has a runtime of 1 hour and 56 minutes (116 minutes). The film was released in the United States on April 18, 2019, and is rated PG.

Who directed Breakthrough and who wrote it?

Breakthrough was directed by Roxann Dawson, best known for her work as a television director on shows such as House of Cards and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. The screenplay was written by Grant Nieporte, and the film is based on the memoir by Joyce Smith, the real-life mother at the center of the story.

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