To Hell and Back (2014)

A modern faith drama retelling the Book of Job, starring Ernie Hudson as a man whose blessed life is torn apart by tragedy and tested by God.

To Hell and Back - Movie Information

  • Release Year: 2014
  • Directed by: Christine Swanson
  • Type: Movie
  • Genres: Drama
  • Age Rating (US): G
  • Runtime: 1h 22m
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English
  • Production Companies: Swirl Films
  • Production Countries: United States of America

To Hell and Back - Plot

Joe Patterson (Ernie Hudson), a wealthy land developer, learns as God and the Devil take a wager on his blessed life that results in a series of tragedies that test his faith. With a happy wife (Vanessa Bell Calloway) and six beautiful kids, Joe struggles to endure murder, fatal accidents and illness all while doing his best to remain truthful to the God he believes has given him everything.

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To Hell and Back - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • Christine Swanson

Main Cast

  • Ernie Hudson
  • Vanessa Bell Calloway
  • Gregory Alan Williams
  • Brandon Scott
  • Arjay Smith
  • Vonii Bristow
  • Kendrick Cross
  • Vickie Eng
  • Joe Knezevich
  • Kennedy McCullough

Writers

  • Rhonda Baraka

To Hell and Back - FAQs

Is To Hell and Back based on a true story?

To Hell and Back is not based on a specific true story, but it draws directly from the biblical Book of Job. The film reimagines that ancient narrative in a contemporary setting, following a prosperous man whose faith is pushed to its absolute limits by a series of devastating losses and tragedies.

Who are the main actors in To Hell and Back?

Ernie Hudson leads the cast as Joe Patterson, the wealthy patriarch at the center of the story, with Vanessa Bell Calloway playing his wife. The supporting cast includes Gregory Alan Williams, Brandon Scott, Arjay Smith, Vonii Bristow, Kendrick Cross, Vickie Eng, Joe Knezevich, and Kennedy McCullough.

What is To Hell and Back about?

The film follows Joe Patterson, a successful land developer with a loving wife and six children, whose seemingly perfect life unravels after God and the Devil place a wager on his soul. Murder, accidents, and illness strike in quick succession, challenging Joe to hold onto his faith when everything he loves is taken from him.

Where can I stream To Hell and Back for free?

You can watch To Hell and Back for free on Tubi TV (with ads) and Plex, including the Plex Channel. These platforms make the film easily accessible without a paid subscription, so it's a great option if you want to watch without spending anything.

How does the Book of Job connect to this film?

To Hell and Back is essentially a modern retelling of the Book of Job. Just like the biblical Job, Joe Patterson is a righteous, prosperous man who becomes the subject of a divine wager. He then endures wave after wave of loss — family tragedy, illness, and grief — while struggling to keep his faith intact.

Who directed To Hell and Back?

To Hell and Back was directed by Christine Swanson, a filmmaker known for her work in faith-based and inspirational drama. The screenplay was written by Rhonda Baraka, and the film was produced by Swirl Films. Cinematography was handled by George Su, with editing by Dante Wyatt.

What is the age rating for To Hell and Back?

To Hell and Back carries a G rating in the United States, making it suitable for all audiences. Despite the heavy themes of loss, grief, and spiritual struggle, the film handles its subject matter in a way that is appropriate for family viewing, including younger viewers.

What are some movies similar to To Hell and Back?

If you enjoyed To Hell and Back, you might also like Come Sunday (2018), a powerful faith drama, or emotionally resonant films like Full Time (2022), Hold Me Tight (2021), and Home (2021). These titles share themes of resilience, personal struggle, and the search for meaning through hardship.

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