I have a proclivity toward skepticism of most any overtly “Christian” movie. Stemming from experiences watching the “cheese” and melodrama of Left Behind and Facing the Giants, I did not expect anything different from To Save a Life, the newest in the growing Christian film industry. This time, I was wrong. While certainly not perfect, and still containing some of the apparent obligatory corny circumstances and scenes of other evangelical youth flicks, To Save a Life is an enjoyable, meaningful, and well-made production. The story centers around a popular high-school athlete who witnesses the suicide of a childhood friend. The movie chronicles his struggles with life, meaning, and responsibility as he befriends a local youth pastor who helps him process his feelings and thoughts, both toward himself and his own guilt and also toward his relationship with God. As he finds himself with new youth group companions and a new perspective, he must deal with life-changing news and the ridicule of his former teammates and friends.

The ways in which this film separates itself from other attempts at Christian movie-making are what keep the viewer’s eyes affixed to the story. The actors are quality. Most of them have appeared in episodes of network television shows and have significantly more acting experience than youth group members from a church in Georgia. They are believable and likeable and connect with the viewer in ways Hollywood films do. The film is not afraid to be self-critical of church and youth groups and the mentality of judgment that infects congregations. In this way, it moves beyond the typical crises and issues most youth resources confine themselves to. While some of the situations in the movie are cheesy, it also deals with pertinent and urgent issues facing teenagers, especially teen suicide. And more, it does this in helpful and insightful ways.

While focusing on important issues for teenagers, the movie is not without its flaws. My primary criticisms of the film include its clichéd scenarios and stereotyped characters: the teenager peer-pressured into a drinking game at a party; the troubled marriage; the consequences of premarital sex; the rich, white main-character facing adolescent dilemmas; the troubled black kid bringing a gun to school; the loner kid (who also happens to be of minority ethnicity) who is befriended by the main character; the sweet, inviting (near perfect) female youth group member; the rebellious preacher’s kid; and the youth minister who swoops in to save the day. While these contrived “youthy” situations will cause the overly-critical skeptic to dismiss the film almost immediately, the viewer who grants it a shot will still come away benefitting from the experience. While the movie deals with serious ethical dilemmas, theologically, it falls into the trap of placing the center of Christian moral discernment within the autonomous individual. For example, when offering advice to one character, the youth minister says that he will support any decision that is made, and that ultimately the decision is “up to you.” This ethical framework dismisses any notion of church cultivated morality or communal discipleship formation.

While some reviews I read about the movie say it presents a “watered-down” view of Christianity because the Christian characters are not perfect, I believe it effectively demonstrates the essence of the Christian life—hospitality, self-sacrifice, and shared journey. To Save a Life could be extremely impactful, especially for teenagers struggling with issues of self-esteem and self-worth. I recommend youth ministers give the film a preview and encourage you to share this with your youth groups and churches.