Heaven Down Here (2023)
Inspired by Mickey Guyton’s song of the same name, “Heaven Down Here” tells the story of four disparate people who find themselves stranded in a local diner on Christmas Eve when a snowstorm hits the town. Imani is a widowed mother of two who’s having trouble making ends meet and reluctantly agrees to work the Christmas Eve shift, where she clashes with her boss Dan, who doesn’t exactly embody the Christmas spirit. Felix is a local pastor desperately trying to secure food for parishioners while his faith is challenged by his son's alienation. Clara is a hospice nurse with an obstinate patient and whose daughter is moving away, causing her to question her place in this world. Throughout the evening, these four bicker, bond and unwittingly provide each other with the answer to their respective prayers.
Release Date: December 14, 2023
1 Movie Review
"We make plans, God laughs." ~ From "Heaven Down Here". Based on the song "Heaven Down Here" by Mickey Guyton, this inspiring movie takes viewers on a journey of four different people whose lives intersect when stranded in a snow storm. Imani, a widow with two children, has slowly tried to rebuild her life working late hours at a diner. Felix, a passionate pastor at a local church, finds himself hurting this holiday season with the realization that his son has blocked Felix out of his life. Clara, a visiting nurse for an intolerable elderly woman, tries to come to terms with her daughter moving far away for college. Dan, the manager of the local diner, keeps up a stern, harsh exterior to distract others from his hurting emotions inside over the opportunities he missed over the course of his life. So when these desperate individuals are stranded at the local diner on the night before Christmas, secrets are exchanged and a close bond is formed, proving the power of togetherness and the holidays. This movie was thought-provoking and inspiring. It is not a traditional Hallmark movie where a girl meets a boy or vice versa, and they fall in love. No, rather this movie had little to no romance and instead focused on the individual characters and the gradual growth throughout their time together. I found this movie had a bit of a slow start but it made up for itself with its subtle but impactful gestures to the Bible and the engaging scenes. Happy watching!