lifemark movie review

Common Sense Media

Movie & TV reviews for parents

• For Parents
• For Educators
• Our Work and Impact

Or browse by category:

• Movie Reviews
• Best Movie Lists
• Best Movies on Netflix, Disney+, and More

Common Sense Selections for Movies

50 Modern Movies All Kids Should Watch Before They're 12

• Best TV Lists
• Best TV Shows on Netflix, Disney+, and More
• Common Sense Selections for TV
• Video Reviews of TV Shows

Best Kids' Shows on Disney+

Best Kids' TV Shows on Netflix

• Book Reviews
• Best Book Lists
• Common Sense Selections for Books

8 Tips for Getting Kids Hooked on Books

50 Books All Kids Should Read Before They're 12

• Game Reviews
• Best Game Lists

Common Sense Selections for Games

• Video Reviews of Games

Nintendo Switch Games for Family Fun

• Podcast Reviews
• Best Podcast Lists

Common Sense Selections for Podcasts

Parents' Guide to Podcasts

• App Reviews
• Best App Lists

Social Networking for Teens

Gun-Free Action Game Apps

Reviews for AI Apps and Tools

• YouTube Channel Reviews
• YouTube Kids Channels by Topic

Parents' Ultimate Guide to YouTube Kids

YouTube Kids Channels for Gamers

• Preschoolers (2-4)
• Little Kids (5-7)
• Big Kids (8-9)
• Pre-Teens (10-12)
• Teens (13+)
• Screen Time
• Social Media
• Online Safety
• Identity and Community

How to Help Kids Build Character Strengths with Quality Media

• Family Tech Planners
• Digital Skills
• All Articles
• Latino Culture
• Black Voices
• Asian Stories
• Native Narratives
• LGBTQ+ Pride
• Best of Diverse Representation List

Multicultural Books

YouTube Channels with Diverse Representations

Podcasts with Diverse Characters and Stories

• Common Sense Says
• Parents Say 5 Reviews
• Kids Say 0 Reviews

Common Sense Media Review

Weepy, faith-based adoption story gets heavy-handed.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Lifemark is a faith-based story based on true events about adoption and the impact it has under ideal circumstances for everyone involved. A teenage pregnancy drives the plot. There's a direct message that abortion is murder and a negative, but not gory, depiction of a teen's…

Why Age 10+?

Message that abortion is murder. A negative depiction of a teen's experience at

Married adults embrace and kiss on the face and head. A teen pregnancy drives th

Any Positive Content?

Teen David models empathy and gratitude. He has no anger or resentment toward hi

Adoption is a valuable and beautiful thing. God has a plan for you, and even if

The main cast is all White. Several minor roles and extras are people of color,

Violence & Scariness

Message that abortion is murder. A negative depiction of a teen's experience at an abortion clinic.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Married adults embrace and kiss on the face and head. A teen pregnancy drives the plot.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

Positive Role Models

Teen David models empathy and gratitude. He has no anger or resentment toward his birth parents, understands why they placed him for adoption. He's grateful to his birth parents for giving him a better life, to his adoptive parents for loving and providing for him without reservations. All family units are loving and supportive. Best friend Nate is loyal and supportive.

Positive Messages

Adoption is a valuable and beautiful thing. God has a plan for you, and even if you don't understand it, trust that everything will work out for the best.

Diverse Representations

The main cast is all White. Several minor roles and extras are people of color, and throughout the cast different body sizes are seen.

Did we miss something on diversity? Suggest an update.

Parents need to know that Lifemark is a faith-based story based on true events about adoption and the impact it has under ideal circumstances for everyone involved. A teenage pregnancy drives the plot. There's a direct message that abortion is murder and a negative, but not gory, depiction of a teen's experience at an abortion clinic. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

Where to Watch

Videos and photos.

Parent and Kid Reviews

• Parents say (5)

Based on 5 parent reviews

GREAT movie. Whole family enjoyed it.

So much good truth, what's the story.

LIFEMARK tells the story of David ( Raphael Ruggero ), a senior in high school who just turned 18. David was adopted as a newborn, and has always known he was adopted but knows nothing about his birth parents. Now that he's 18, his birth mother, Melissa (Dawn Long), reaches out to David, hoping they can meet. David's curiosity wins out, and he agrees to meet Melissa. But what he learns about Melissa's story sends shockwaves through David and all of his loved ones.

Is It Any Good?

For most of its running time, this movie comes across as a sentimental, if emotionally manipulative, story about the beauty of adoption under the most ideal of circumstances. The acting in Lifemark is overall good, and the production quality is very good, too. Most of the script is fine, but there are quite a few unanswered questions and holes in the plot.

The last 15 minutes or so take a hard turn away from looking at adoption to hammer home the point that abortion is murder, and may add to some viewers' feeling emotionally manipulated again. There's no content of concern except the mature topics surrounding teen pregnancy, so it's best for tweens and up who are ready to take on these issues.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about David's character strengths in Lifemark . In what ways does he model empathy , gratitude , and communication ?

Were you adopted, or do you know someone who was? If so, how does this movie compare to real-world experiences? If not, did this movie change what you think about adoption?

Have you seen many other faith-based movies? Which are your favorites? How does this one compare?

Movie Details

• On DVD or streaming : November 22, 2022
• Cast : Raphael Ruggero
• Director : Kevin Peeples
• Studio : Mill Creek Entertainment
• Genre : Drama
• Topics : Friendship , Great Boy Role Models
• Run time : 120 minutes
• MPAA rating : PG-13
• MPAA explanation : some thematic material.
• Last updated : January 31, 2024

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Suggest an Update

What to watch next.

The Pregnancy Pact

Somewhere Between

Faith-based movies, best biblical movies, related topics.

• Great Boy Role Models

Want suggestions based on your streaming services? Get personalized recommendations

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

Notice: All forms on this website are temporarily down for maintenance. You will not be able to complete a form to request information or a resource. We apologize for any inconvenience and will reactivate the forms as soon as possible.

• DVD & Streaming
• Biography/History , Christian , Drama

Content Caution

In Theaters

• September 9, 2022
• Raphael Ruggero as David Colton; Kirk Cameron as Jimmy Colton; Rebecca Rogers Nelson as Susan Colton; Dawn Long as Melissa Cates; Alex Kendrick as Shawn Cates; Marissa Hampton as Young Melissa; Lowrey Brown as Brian; Iain Tucker as Young Brian; Stephanie Parker as Azure; Isabelle Almoyan as Reese; Ezra Duvall as Presley; Leah Thompkins as Courtney

Home Release Date

• November 22, 2022
• Kevin Peeples

Distributor

• Fathom Events; Pure Flix

Positive Elements   |   Spiritual Elements   |   Sexual & Romantic Content   |   Violent Content   |   Crude or Profane Language   |   Drug & Alcohol Content   |   Other Noteworthy Elements   | Conclusion

Movie Review

High school senior David Colton is a lot like most kids his age. He loves to wrestle. He’s looking forward to college. And he spends a lot of time goofing off with his best friend, Nate, a budding videographer who films literally everything.

Then again, David’s different. He knows it. Nate knows it. But not many other people are in on his secret. David, you see, is adopted. It’s not something he’s ashamed off. After all, his adoptive parents Jimmy and Susan are about the best a teen could hope for as they love, support and encourage him. Then again, it’s not something he really wants most people to know either.

At David’s 18 th birthday, his mother reminds him that he’s now legally old enough to try to contact his birth mother, a woman named Melissa, if he’d like to do so.

At the very same moment, Melissa is wondering if he might just do that. She’s thought about him every day for 18 years, and she fears that he has no interest in reconnecting. “I don’t think he’d want to talk to me,” she tells her husband, Shawn. “He probably hates me for what I did.”

But Melissa takes a leap of faith anyway to update her contact information at the adoption agency, just in case. And with just a bit of nudging from his adoptive mother, David does indeed get in touch with Melissa.

Ever so slowly, through texts and social media posts, Melissa and the young man she gave up for adoption nearly two decades before begin to get to know each other. One day, David makes his decision: He’s going to meet his birth mother, face to face. And maybe his birth father, a man named Brian who split from Melissa years before and who has been more hesitant to reconnect.

And at every step of the way, Nate will be there to chronicle David and Melissa’s tender story, one that’s based on real-life events.

Positive Elements

Lifemark shines a redemptive light on the process of adoption while striving to show how emotionally difficult various aspects of that decision can be. We watch as tears stream down young Melissa’s face when a nurse takes her baby out of the room. We see David struggle to piece together parts of his identity that have been affected by the fact that his mother chose adoption at birth. With both of these characters, we see their ambivalence: They long to meet this other person who is so important to them, and yet they’re understandably hesitant with regard to how that reunion might go.

Lifemark is based on a true story of a young man meeting his birth mother, one that was chronicled on film in the documentary I Lived on Parker Street . Though there are moments of tension and uncertainty, Lifemark arguably gives us a story of reunion that arguably goes just about as well as it could have. David’s parents are secure in their relationship with him and certain of his love for them. David bears Melissa no ill will for her decision, but rather simply wants to thank her for the choice she made.

Speaking of choices, we also learn late in the film that Melissa was very close to choosing to terminate her teen pregnancy. A flashback shows her on the table at an abortion clinic before she says she heard a voice telling her that there was still time to make another choice. Though she doesn’t attribute that voice directly to God, it seems pretty clear that’s who she was alluding to.

After learning how close he came to never being born, a tearful David repeatedly thanks Melissa for her choice to give him life—something he commemorates with a dog-tag like necklace with his date of birth, a “Lifemark” on a chain for Melissa to wear as a necklace.

To its credit, the film also subtly hints that not all such attempts at reconciliation or reconnection go so smoothly. David’s dad, Brian, eventually says he was hesitant to meet David because his own mother was adopted and hated her birth mother for giving her up. At another point, David talks to a pregnant teen girl about his experience meeting his birth mother. She replies, “I’m not sure it’s always like that.”

I appreciated those realistic acknowledgements that sometimes things don’t go so smoothly in these situations. At the same time, what we see here is a portrait of redemption in which a young girl’s crisis pregnancy, and her decision to give up her child for adoption instead of aborting him, ultimately result in tremendous blessing for everyone his life touches.

Spiritual Elements

David has grown up in a Christian home. References to having faith and trusting God turn up repeatedly—often coming from David’s dad, Jimmy. When David learns that he must have brain surgery, for example, Jimmy encourages his son to remember God’s faithfulness, saying, “God knew this was going to happen.” Afterward, Jimmy adds, “God got you through this. That’s not a little thing. I don’t think we should take that for granted.” He also tells his son, “David, God gave you to me and mom as a gift. And you will always be our son.”

In a speech competition at school before the entire student body, David reciprocates similar sentiments as he talks about being adopted. “We don’t all share the same path. But I’m thankful for the family that God’s given me.”

We see David and his parents praying and reading the Bible together.

Sexual & Romantic Content

There’s no visual sexual content at all here. However, the story obviously turns on Melissa getting pregnant by Brian when she was 18 and he was 17, while they were both still in high school. We see that they have moved in with each other as teens before David is born.

Late in the film, Nate discovers that his own teen sister, Reese, is pregnant and considering abortion. She asks David to talk to her about her situation, and he affirms how happy he is that his own mother chose to give him birth instead of choosing abortion.

Violent Content

There’s not any real violence at all in the film. That said, a flashback scene near the movie’s end shows Melissa on a table in an abortion clinic about to have that procedure before she makes the decision not to go through with it. She—and the camera—glance ominously at the instruments on a nearby table.

Melissa’s trip to the abortion clinic also includes a pro-life protestor whose words she remembers vividly: “Your baby has 10 fingers and 10 toes—please don’t kill it.”

A few scenes involve activities that could be construed as having some physical risk, such as racing four-wheelers down a forest trail, skydiving and teens jumping from a high cliff (perhaps 50 feet or so) into a lake below.

After a high school wrestling tournament, David faints. Shortly thereafter, doctors reveal that David has a congenital condition putting pressure on his brain that will require surgery.

We hear that Jimmy and Susan lost two children from, it seems, a similar genetic condition. We see them visiting the boys’ side-by-side gravesites and putting flowers down for them.

Nate recounts filming a fight that his sister, Reese, had with her boyfriend, in which she threw bricks at his car.

Crude or Profane Language

Drug & alcohol content, other noteworthy elements.

We hear that Nate purchased his drone on credit, and that he still owes $500 on it.

Christian filmmakers Alex and Stephen Kendrick have a history of tackling the toughest issues that families can wrestle with. And with Lifemark , they’ve added another such pair of topics to their cinematic resume: adoption and the pro-life movement.

This inspiring true story gives us a poignant glimpse of what it might feel like to make the courageous decision for adoption—on both sides of that decision—as well as showing us that child later pondering whether he wants to reconnect with the mother who made that choice. The result is a movie that will, as the Kendricks’ films often do, pull a tear or two out of viewers’ eyes even as it deepens our perspective on this complex subject.

Lifemark also shows us that the decision to choose life and to choose a better life for a baby is both a difficult one and a redemptive one. More than once while watching the film, Melissa’s story, especially, prompted an ache in my heart. How hard it must have been for her, yet how beautiful and life-giving the outcome.

As far as content goes, there’s little here visually that warrants a warning—though I can imagine not all parents would want their teen sons jumping off a small cliff into a lake. Still, the subject of abortion is necessarily a difficult one to address, even if graphic imagery is completely avoided. That issue has earned the film its PG-13 rating, and it’s something that parents of younger children will want to consider before seeing it.

That caveat aside, however, Lifemark feels like the kind of story God could use in deep ways in the lives of those who see it. It affirms the beauty of adoption even as it gently encourages those in crisis pregnancies to make the choice for life instead of ending those pregnancies.

Lifemark is being distributed by Fathom Events and currently is scheduled to run seven nights in participating theaters. Ticket information can be found here .

Adam R. Holz

After serving as an associate editor at NavPress’ Discipleship Journal and consulting editor for Current Thoughts and Trends, Adam now oversees the editing and publishing of Plugged In’s reviews as the site’s director. He and his wife, Jennifer, have three children. In their free time, the Holzes enjoy playing games, a variety of musical instruments, swimming and … watching movies.

Latest Reviews

God’s Not Dead: In God We Trust

Transformers One

The Killer’s Game

Weekly reviews straight to your inbox.

Christian Movie Interviews, News and Reviews

• BROWSE TOPICS X
• Devotionals
• Newsletters

4 Things You Should Know about Lifemark , the Kendricks' Uplifting Movie about Adoption

• Michael Foust Crosswalk Headlines Contributor
• Updated Aug 26, 2022

David is an 18-year-old high school senior who is enjoying his final year of carefree living before he ventures out into the real world.

He's hanging out with friends. He's thinking about the future. He's also enjoying his favorite sport: wrestling, with an eye toward a college scholarship.

"I heard that there's scouts coming," he says of the upcoming wrestling championships.

David's senior season – it seems – is going just as he planned.

But then things went awry.

First, he passes out during a wrestling meet. And then he learns he has a medical condition that will end his wrestling career.

That news, though, is eclipsed by even more earth-shattering news: His birth mom wants to meet him face to face. This heroic woman (Melissa) gave birth to David 18 years ago and chose Jimmy and Susan – the only parents David has known -- to raise him.

It's something David has spent his teen years trying not to think about.

"I just put it out of my mind," he says.

At first, he ignores the thought. Soon, though – with the support of his adoptive parents – his heart begins to change. And soon, he is driving to another state to meet the birth mom he's never seen.

How will it go?

The new film Lifemark (PG-13) tells the story of David's journey of discovery to learn more about his past. It's the latest film by Alex and Stephen Kenrick and stars Kirk Cameron as the adoptive father and Raphael Ruggero in the lead role of David.

Photo courtesy: ©Fathom , used with permission.

1. It Captures the Emotions of Adoption

Lifemark perfectly encapsulates the emotions of the adoption process – the uncertainty, the grief, the numbness, the relief and the utter joy. We watch as the birth parents – teenagers – process the shock of a surprise pregnancy. We see them sort through dozens of prospective parent profiles before landing on one that grabs their attention. (The prospective parents enjoy camping and fishing – a semi-requirement for the birth mom.) Meanwhile, we experience the sentiments of the adoptive parents: the ambivalence toward adoption following the tragic death of two young children ("I can't go through another loss") and the excitement upon learning they were chosen by Melissa to be the parents of a newborn.

You feel empathy for both sides – the birth parents and the adoptive parents – as you cheer for David to have success in life. (During a series of flashbacks, we watch him age from a newborn to a toddler to a young child.)

Like every other Kendrick movie you've seen, Lifemark has plenty of scenes that will bring tears to your eyes. One of the best ones involves David giving a speech on adoption in front of a large audience ("I'm thankful for the family that God's given me") at the exact same time his birth mom – hundreds of miles away – looks at pictures of him, marveling at the outstanding man he has become.

The film is inspired by a true-life story and documentary,  I Lived on Parker Avenue .

Photo courtesy: ©Fathom, used with permission.

2. It Was Rejected by Hollywood Studios

Lifemark producers Alex and Stephen Kendrick have enjoyed plenty of box-office success in recent years. War Room (2015) was the No. 1 movie in America on its second weekend of release. Overcomer (2019), Courageous (2011) and Fireproof (2008) all opened in the Top 4.

Even so, Hollywood studios refused to distribute Lifemark due to its pro-life theme, Alex Kendrick says. In the film's final moments, we learn that Melissa nearly opted for abortion over adoption. In one poignant scene, she takes David to the site of the former abortion clinic. (We see nothing that is graphic.)

"Several of the studios that have courted us in the past and [have] wanted us to go with them as distributors, they all turned down this film," Kendrick told Crosswalk. "They said we're not releasing this one, because we're scared of the response."

The Kendricks chose not to change the film.

Lifemark  is being released by Fathom, a company that's run by theater chains AMC, Regal Cinemas (Cineworld) and Cinemark.

It will be in theaters for one week beginning Sept. 9.

3. It Uses Flashbacks and De-Aging Technology

The timeline of Lifemark – nearly two decades – presented plenty of challenges to the Kendricks. Do you choose two sets of actors, one for the "young" scenes and one for the "old" ones? Or, alternatively, do you use computer technology to transform the actors' on-screen appearance?

Lifemark employed both options. For the birth parents, two sets of actors and actresses were chosen. But for the adoptive parents – played by Kirk Cameron and Rebecca Rogers – the filmmakers used so-called de-aging technology.

"People are de-aged 20 years," Stephen Kendrick told Crosswalk.

The on-screen product is impressive. Kirk Cameron looks like a 50-year-old and a (roughly) 30-year-old – all in the same film.

Lifemark also relies on flashbacks to tell David's story.

In the film's opening scene, you watch a nearly 18-year-old David laugh and play with friends as they jump into a lake. Soon, though, you're learning about his past.

4. It's the First Kendrick Movie without a Kendrick Director

For their first six movies – beginning with Fly Wheel (2003) and continuing through to Overcomer  (2019) – Alex Kendrick served as director. For Lifemark,  though, the Kendricks chose a different director: Kevin Peeples ( Like Arrows ).

Alex and Stephen Kendricks (along with their brother, Shannon) are executive producers.

Their goal in choosing Peeples, they said, is to help raise up a new generation of Christian filmmakers.

"We're big believers in pouring into the next generation," Stephen Kendrick said. "We've been saying since 2013 – when our church prayed over us and launched us out [to form a new company] – that we wanted to intentionally invest into the next generation of Christian filmmakers."

The Kendricks participate in the Christian Worldview Film Festival, an annual gathering designed to boost the next generation of faith -based filmmakers. They also have on-set mentorships.

"Kevin has helped us behind the scenes on War Room and Overcomer ," Stephen Kendricks said. "Alex basically shifted from being the quarterback of the field to being the coach on the sidelines. We're cheering on these [new] guys, but we're still heavily involved."

It's one of the best pro-life movies ever made.

The movie is already impacting audiences. During a test screening, a 32-year-old man walked up to Alex Kendrick and said with tears in his eyes, "I'm going home now to tell my wife, 'Let's adopt.'"

Stephen Kendrick said he's praying that the "Holy Spirit grabs the hearts of people who watch it" to consider adoption, to reach out to women who are in an unwanted pregnancy, and perhaps even to launch a pregnancy center and/or adoption ministry in their church.

"The church needs to rise up," he said.

Lifemark is rated PG-13 for some thematic material. It contains no coarse language, sexuality or violence.

Entertainment rating : 4 out of 5 stars

Family-friendly rating : 5 out of 5 stars

Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.

Recently On Movie Features

Editor's Picks

Popular Today

• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Crosswalk App
• California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information
• California - CCPA Notice

Lifemark (2022)

• User Reviews
• if it was written better. Too many teary moments...not very realistic.
• if it didn't keep referring to God so often. Seems like everyone in the movie was into God and praising God. Not very realistic.
• if David's friend didn't have his iPhone in everyone's face, recording everything, and no one complaining about it. Not very realistic.

Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews

• User Ratings
• External Reviews
• Metacritic Reviews
• Full Cast and Crew
• Release Dates
• Official Sites
• Company Credits
• Filming & Production
• Technical Specs
• Plot Summary
• Plot Keywords
• Parents Guide

Did You Know?

• Crazy Credits
• Alternate Versions
• Connections
• Soundtracks

Photo & Video

• Photo Gallery
• Trailers and Videos

Related Items

• External Sites

Related lists from IMDb users

Recently Viewed

Lifemark - User Reviews

Thank you for rating this movie read your review below. ratings will be added after 24 hours..

Based on 78 votes and 29 reviews

Please rate movie 1 to 5 stars

Wholesome movies based on true stories without obscene language, nudity, and perversion are SO refreshing. I would give more than five stars, if possible.

As parents of an adopted son who has searched for both of his birth parents, the movie was very true to life for us. We are in contact with our son’s birth parents and grandparents; so we shed tears of joy as we remembered the many blessings his life has brought to our home and to our family.

I didn’t have a dry eye for the whole movie

Nothing makes a better movie than a true story and these movie makers never making the best of the best!

Such an inspirational movie! It’s a great reminder of how we are supposed to be standing for Christ in such a fallen world.

Another great movie involving Kirk Cameron. Gives me hope that there are more wholesome, clean movies to come in the future. And they’re getting ever better!!

Great movie!

Gives a voice to to the one who often looses the opportunity to have a voice.

Pro-life, anti-abortion view of an idealized adoption. I was offended by all the God references, as if people have no control over the direction their lives take.

A beautiful story to bring light to adoption and how this can answer the prayers of couples who earnestly want to adopt children. It’s about love, compassion, gratitude, reconciliation and redemption. All life matters.

It took a couple of extremely sensitive issues from a true story, and showed what God can do when we make the right, selfless choice!!! I thought it was beautiful!, well done, touching! Made me laugh, and cry! I can't wait to see it again!!!

Very informative and excellent acting. Showing compassion in so many ways for all involved and based on a true experience.

An amazing movie.......especially because it is based on a true story. Highly recommend this movie, it is a beautiful true story.

Wonderful life story from the child who was allowed to live! The unselfish young girl who made such a mature decision really touched my heart. Our Lord’s love and forgiveness was reflected throughout the movie. What a wonderful gift this movie is!!!!!

A real life story that will gives a different perspective on choices we can make that have a positive impact on another’s life.

We went as a family, which includes our adopted daughter. It was a special time for us, and the movie was well done! It was quite humorous along with the importance of the topic.

I have always enjoyed the movies done by the Kendrix brothers. Their goal is to always reveal the heart of God even with very difficult topics. This is a movie of a woman's battle to make right decision concerning her life and the life of the child. It revealed God's mercy and grace that appeared in a moment! God knows what is best! We must trust Him even in the darkest days. He said He will never leave you or forsake you. He proved that in this reenactment. Thank you!

Love that this was a real life story. It introduced us to the real people and the characters who played their story. I concurred the message was; give the fetus a chance to live with or without you. The choices given to us is the ones you have after the girl has conceived, adoption or abortion. Adoption shows as the best option. We see the outcome of the unselfish decision, she opted for life of the fetus. The movie led one to feel every emotion the characters were going through. Heart felt! If only more females would take contraception, we would not have to abort babies. Great movie!

I love that this is a true story - almost exactly as it happened per video footage of the 2018 documentary, "I Lived on Parker Avenue". It's not slanted this way or that way, it's just 1 extended family's experience. And they happen to be strong Christians. So what? That's what got everyone through their unique trials. It's a beautiful story that I hope inspires more people to consider this totally selfless option of adoption. 1 million people waiting to adopt each year!! And the birthmom gets to hand-select the adopting family! Bring tissue! The kid videotaping was a little annoying, but someone did videotape the whole story. Thank you!

Kirk Cameron's best movie since Saving Christmas; but that's not saying much at all.

This movie was pro birth propaganda and I was offended by the way they portray other choices besides adoption. The family appears too perfect and unrealistic and their incessant conversation about “ G-D” was extreme and they were religious zealots. If they had excluded the part about the “ near abortion” the other issues could have been overlooked.

I liked it because it gives information for options for a couple or single person to make the best choice for their baby as well as their future. To actually hear the true stories of real people who did just that and the Awesome outcome for everyone; especially #1 the baby.

It is not often you can watch a well-made, well-acted, movie that has value. The subject of adoption was presented clearly, compassionately, and positively. It is a complex subject that was clearly presented. I enjoyed it very much. :)

Great movie that celebrates the values that are now lacking in the world. I wish there were more movies like LIFEMARK. Congratulations Kirk Cameron!! God bless you!

Hit pretty much all the emotions. Started out a little disjointed but all the threads got pulled together for an emotional roller coaster of a film. Raw and real.

An excellent film. Shows the beauty of adoption and its effect on the birth parents as well as the adoptive parents. It is slanted on choosing life over abortion but not in an overbearing way.

The most beautiful movie I have seen in a long long time. Incredibly well done and so moving. Kirk Cameron deserves an academy award! I highly recommend it.

Emotional and exciting! Nothing like this movie has been ever made before! A must see for everyone!

TERMS OF USE

This website (the "Website") is owned and operated by Tribute Publishing Inc . ("Tribute", "we", "us", "our"). Please read the following Terms of Use ("Terms of Use") before using the Website or any of the services available through the Website (“Services”). By accessing and using the Website or the Services, you agree to be bound by all the Terms of Use set forth herein. If you do not agree with these Terms of Use, you should not access the Website nor download any part of its content.

OWNERSHIP/RESTRICTIONS ON USE

The Website is owned and operated by Tribute. Any and all content, data, graphics, photographs, images, audio, video, software, trademarks, service marks, trade names and other information (collectively, the "Content") contained in this Website are proprietary to Tribute, its affiliates and/or third-party licensors. The Content is protected by Canadian and international intellectual property laws. Except as set forth herein, you may not use, modify, copy, reproduce, publish, post, transmit, distribute, display, perform, create derivative works from, transfer or sell any Content without the express prior written consent of Tribute.

Unless otherwise specified, the Website is for your personal and non-commercial use and for purely informational purposes.

ACCURACY OF INFORMATION

Although Tribute takes all possible steps to ensure the accuracy of the information or Content included on this Website, no assurance is given that information or material on this Website is up-to-date, accurate, error-free or complete. Tribute takes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the information or Content of this Website. We reserve the right to correct, change or update information at any time without prior notice.

REGISTRATION AND PASSWORDS

To access certain portions of the Website, you may be asked to complete an online registration form. In consideration for your use of this Website and the Services provided on it, you agree to provide true, current, complete and accurate information as requested on any registration form to which this Website may direct you, and to update that registration information as soon as possible after any information on such registration form changes.As part of the registration process, you may be asked to provide a user name or password. You alone are responsible for keeping that password and user name confidential, and for any and all activity that occurs on this Website under such password or user name. You agree to immediately notify Tribute of any unauthorized use of your password or user name or any other breach of security.

From time to time we may offer and/or co‑sponsor contests or other promotions on the Website. Each of these activities shall be governed by specific rules accessible from the pages of the Website offering the contest or promotion or when you submit your entry.

We may offer links on the Website to websites, including social networking websites, which are owned and operated by third parties. We provide these links as a convenience to our visitors. We do not review the content of such websites, and neither endorse, nor are responsible for, any content, advertising, products, services or other materials on or available from such third party websites. You assume full responsibility for your use of third party websites. Such websites are governed by terms and conditions different from those applicable to this Website, and we encourage you to review the terms and privacy policies of those third parties before using their websites.

REVIEWS & CODE OF CONDUCT

From time to time, Tribute may provide you with the opportunity to submit film reviews, ratings, responses or other content or materials (“Material”) to the Website, such as through a discussion forum or bulletin board (“Forums”). As a condition of your continued access to and use of this Website, including the Forums, you agree to abide by all applicable federal, provincial, territorial and other laws and regulations, the other conditions of these Terms of Use, and any other rules which may be published from time to time by Tribute. In addition, without limiting the foregoing, you agree not to:

• is known by you to be false, inaccurate, or misleading;
• infringes any patent, trade-mark, trade secret, copyright or other proprietary or privacy rights of any party;
• constitutes unsolicited or unauthorized advertising, promotional materials, “junk mail,” “spam,” “chain letters,” “pyramid schemes,” or any other form of solicitation;
• is unlawful, harmful, threatening, abusive, harassing, tortious, defamatory, vulgar, obscene, libelous, invasive of another’s privacy, hateful, racially, ethnically or otherwise objectionable;
• you were compensated or granted any consideration by any third party to upload, post, e-mail or transmit unless otherwise authorized by Tribute in writing; or
• contains any form of destructive software such as a virus, worm, Trojan horse, time bomb, cancelbot, or any other harmful components or any other computer file, program;
• harvest or otherwise collect or store any information (including personally identifiable information) about other users of the Website, including e-mail addresses, without the express consent of such users;
• for the purpose of misleading others, create a false identity of the sender or the origin of a message, forge headers or otherwise manipulate identifiers in order to disguise the origin of any material transmitted through the Website;
• impersonate any person or entity, including, but not limited to, a Tribute employee, forum leader, guide or host, or falsely state or otherwise misrepresent your affiliation with a person or entity;
• attempt to gain unauthorized access to the Website, other computer systems or networks connected to the Website, through password mining or any other means;
• interfere with or disrupt networks or servers connected to the Website or violate the regulations, policies or procedures of such networks; or
• use, download or otherwise copy, or provide to any person or entity any Website users directory or other user or usage information or any portion thereof other than in the context of your use of the Website.

The foregoing is hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Code of Conduct”.

Tribute is not responsible for Material posted on such Forums and will not have any liability related to the content of any such communications, whether or not arising under the laws of copyright, libel, privacy, obscenity or otherwise. Any Material submitted represents the views and opinions of the person(s) submitting same. Tribute may, but is not obligated to, monitor or review activity and the content of any communications on Forums. Tribute reserves the right to terminate the privilege of any user to post on a Forum if such user violates these Terms of Use and/or the Code of Conduct.

For any Material that you submit, you grant Tribute a world-wide, royalty-free, unrestricted, irrevocable, transferable right and license to use the content however Tribute desires, including without limitation, to copy, reproduce, delete in its entirety, modify, adapt, translate, publish, translate, licence, communicate by telecommunications to the public all or any portion of the content, create derivative works from and/or distribute such content and/or incorporate such content into any form, medium or technology now known or later developed throughout the world, in all cases without your prior approval and without compensation to you, and you further waive any “moral rights” that you may have in the Material.

You acknowledge that Tribute may establish general practices and limits concerning use of the Website, including without limitation the maximum number of days that email messages, message board postings or other uploaded content will be retained on the Website. You agree that Tribute has no responsibility or liability for the deletion or failure to store any messages and other communications or other content maintained on or transmitted by the Website.

DISCLAIMER / LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

THE LAWS OF CERTAIN JURISDICTIONS, INCLUDING QUEBEC, DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LEGAL WARRANTIES, LIABILITY OR CERTAIN DAMAGES OR LIMITATION OF REPRESENTATIONS MADE CONCERNING GOODS OR SERVICES. IF THESE LAWS APPLY TO YOU, SOME OR ALL OF THE BELOW EXCLUSIONS OR LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

Although we strive to update and keep the Content contained on the Website accurate as much as possible, errors and/or omissions may occur.ACCORDINGLY, THIS WEBSITE, INCLUDING THE CONTENT AND SERVICES PROVIDED HEREIN, IS BEING PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" BASIS AND WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. TRIBUTE DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, IMPLIED WARRANTIES AND CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. TRIBUTE DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE FUNCTIONS ON THE SITE WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, ERROR-FREE OR FREE OF VIRUSES OR OTHER HARMFUL COMPONENTS. IN NO EVENT SHALL TRIBUTE BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES THAT RESULT FROM OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OF, OR THE INABILITY TO USE, THE WEBSITE OR ANY CONTENT OR SERVICES, EVEN IF TRIBUTE HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Tribute, its affiliates, members, officers, employees, agents, and licensors from and against any and all losses, expenses, damages, claims, fines, penalties, costs and liabilities (including reasonable legal and accounting fees), resulting from (a) any Material you (or anyone acting under your password or user name) submit, post, transmit or make available on the Website and/or (b) your (or anyone acting under your password or user name) use of this Website, connection thereto, or any alleged violation by you of these Terms of Use, including the Code of Conduct.

Please review our Privacy Policy for details on the manner in which we collect, use, disclose and otherwise manage personal information.

CHANGES AND TERMINATION

Tribute reserves the right at any time and from time to time to modify or discontinue, temporarily or permanently, the Website (or any part thereof) with or without notice. Further, Tribute reserves the right to change these Terms of Use at any time and to notify you by posting an updated version of the Terms of Use on this Website. You are responsible for regularly reviewing the Terms of Use, including, without limitation, by checking the date of "Last Update" at the bottom of this document. Continued use of the Website after any such changes shall constitute your consent to be bound by such changes, with continued provision of the use of the Website constituting consideration from Tribute to you for so being bound. Your only right with respect to any dissatisfaction with (1) these Terms of Use, (2) any policy or practice of ours in operating the Website, or (3) any Content available through the Website, is to stop visiting and using the Website.

All marks, graphics, typefaces, trade dress, trademarks and logos appearing on the Website are property of Tribute Publishing Inc. or of their respective owners. Our trademarks, trade dress and other intellectual property may not be used in any manner for any purpose without our express written consent.

APPLICABLE LAWS

Unless the applicable laws of your jurisdiction require that the laws of such jurisdiction govern, these Terms of Use are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and of the laws of Canada applicable therein, and any dispute is to be submitted to a court of competent jurisdiction in the judicial district of Toronto, Province of Ontario.

If any provision of the present Terms of Use shall be unlawful, void, or for any reason unenforceable, then such provision shall be severable from these Terms of Use and shall not affect the validity and enforceability of any remaining provisions. These Terms of Use and any and all other legal notices or statements posted on the Website, including the Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Tribute with respect to the use of the Website, including the Content.

Notices to you may be made via email or regular mail or, in cases of changes to these Terms of Use or to the Services offered by the Website, by posting notices or links to such notices on the Website itself. If you have any questions or comments regarding these Terms of Use please contact us at [email protected] .

Last Update: February 3, 2014

Copyright ©2014 Tribute Publishing Inc. All rights reserved.

"Human Life Has Value"

What You Need To Know:

Miscellaneous Immorality: Nothing objectionable.

More Detail:

LIFEMARK is a faith-based drama about a young man who has always tried to hide the fact he’s adopted, but, when his birth mother reaches out to him, he must decide if he’ll let her into his life. LIFEMARK is a well-made, heartwarming, inspiring movie with a strong Christian worldview promoting reliance on God, believing God’s plan, forgiveness and loving others, with a beautiful pro-life message about adoption and the value of life.

David is a senior in high school who’s going to turn 18 soon. He has an important speech coming up about something that’s impacted his life. Throughout his life, David has kept it secret that he was adopted, but his teacher suggests that would be a good topic if he’s willing to talk about it.

David goes home to find that his birth mother has reached out to him and is interested in meeting him. David wrestles with the idea of meeting his birth mom, but his best friend, Nate, thinks it is a great idea and thinks they should document their meeting.

Deciding to meet his birth mother, David now has heard from his biological father and must decide if he would like to meet him as well. Will David meet his biological mother and father? Will he be able to be open with them and listen to what they have to say about giving him up for adoption?

LIFEMARK is a well-made, heartwarming, inspiring movie produced by the Kendrick Brothers and Kirk Cameron, who also stars. The movie is solid throughout, with a very positive Christian worldview. The movie promotes relying on God, believing God’s plan, forgiveness, and loving others. There’s also a beautiful pro-life message about adoption, giving life and the value of life.

Don’t the PG-13 rating stop you from seeing this movie. The movie’s themes about abortion and pro-life issues are the reason the Hollywood elites are giving the movie such a tough rating. There’s nothing graphic or objectionable in LIFEMARK; it just has heavier themes designed for older children.

EWTN News, Inc. is the world’s largest Catholic news organization, comprised of television, radio, print and digital media outlets, dedicated to reporting the truth in light of the Gospel and the Catholic Church.

• National Catholic Register
• News Agencies
• Catholic News Agency
• CNA Deutsch
• ACI Afrique
• ACI Digital
• Digital Media
• ChurchPOP Español
• ChurchPOP Italiano
• ChurchPOP Português
• EWTN News Indepth
• EWTN News Nightly
• EWTN Noticias
• EWTN Pro-life Weekly
• Register Radio

Get HALF OFF the Register!

National Catholic Register News https://www.ncregister.com/news/lifemark-is-welcome-testament-to-the-beauty-of-adoption

• Synod on Synodality
• Most Popular
• Publisher’s Note
• College Guide
• Commentaries
• Culture of Life
• Arts & Entertainment
• Publisher's Note
• Letters to the Editor
• Support the Register
• Print subscriptions
• E-Newsletter Sign-up
• EWTN Religious Catalogue

‘Lifemark’ Is Welcome Testament to the Beauty of Adoption

FILM REVIEW: New pro-life movie starring Kirk Cameron is based on a true story.

In some ways, the new Kendrick Brothers’ film Lifemark can be viewed as a companion piece to PureFlix’s 2019 drama Unplanned . Both are true, pro-life stories. But while Unplanned focuses on Abby Johnson emerging from the sordid world of the abortion industry, Lifemark is a story about life-affirming adoption.

Lifemark is a feature adaptation of the true story of David Scotton, an 18-year-old high-school senior in New Orleans who is contacted by his birth mother, Melissa. The supportive bridge between the meeting of these two are Scotton’s adopted parents, Jimmy (Kirk Cameron) and Susan (Rebecca Rogers). David and Melissa’s story was previously told in I Lived on Parker Avenue , a 2017 short documentary, which includes footage of the live meeting between David and Melissa. Lifemark builds its narrative impact around that meeting, meticulously recreating the actual reunion down to minute details.

Kirk Cameron anchors the cast, reuniting with the Kendrick Brothers for the first time since his firefighter role in Fireproof , the successful drama from 2008 that helped launch the wider Christian film market in the United States. Alex and Stephen Kendrick co-wrote Lifemark with director Kevin Peeples, who previously teamed with the Kendricks on another life-affirming picture, Like Arrows (2018). Fathom Events is distributing Lifemark in theaters for a weeklong run, Sept. 9-15.

Lifemark is a well-meaning effort, earnest in its storytelling; it approaches its subject matter with obvious respect. Because of this sincerity, it is hard to fault its shortcomings. Its style leaves little room for real conflict. In the main, scenes play out perfunctorily. Resolutions easily surface, and characters are quick to avoid discord. We see this particularly in the film’s central character, played by newcomer Raphael Ruggero). When David learns he cannot compete in wrestling due to an operation, he is devastated, but the teenage crisis is temporary. The tone of the film does not allow for deeper character development beyond superficial angst. But these are problems that have long plagued overtly Christian movies of the last two decades, where the message often supersedes the storyline, veering the movies away from a cinematic experience and more into the realm of a public service announcement ( Lifemark ’s credits include a resource page with the phone number to Focus on the Family).

Still, while Lifemark is hampered by budget and production shortcomings, it redeems itself with its positive emphasis on adoption and wholesome mood. In spite of its limitations, Lifemark is a welcome testament to the beauty of adoption.

It also employs an ambitious timeline structure, which shows in flashback how David’s teenage parents, particularly his mother, faced the prospect of bringing a new life into the world. In a flashback reminiscent of Unplanned , Melissa is ushered into an abortion facility, a blanket covering her as she cowers from abortion protesters. Ultimately, Melissa chose life, providing Cameron’s Jimmy and Rogers’ Susan a chance to finally become the parents they long wanted to be. For these flashbacks, “de-aging” technology was employed on Cameron and Rogers. It works for the most part, allowing the performers the rare occasion to show range in playing their characters in different ages. Cameron, a fixture in the faith-based-films milieu, is always a reliable presence on screen and also serves as one of Lifemark ’s executive producers.

A missed opportunity to deepen conflict is in the subplot of the relationship between Melissa and David’s biological father, Brian. When the adult Brian, played by Lowery Brown, admits to his wife he fathered a son as a young adult, Brown brings a gravitas to the role that is sorely needed throughout the rest of the film. As it is conveyed on screen, Brian’s role comes across as an afterthought, and his clear aching over his past actions and behavior remains undeveloped.

Lifemark will likely find a supportive audience within moviegoers seeking affirming, faith-based fare.

LifemarkMovie.com

• kirk cameron
• family-friendly movies

James Day James Day is the Operations Manager at EWTN in Orange County, California

• Related Stories
• Latest News

How Eduardo Verástegui’s Latest Film Inspired Him to Fight Human Trafficking

In an interview in the Vatican Gardens shortly after the actor met with Pope Francis, Verástegui said that it’s his goal to start a ‘movement to end child trafficking.’

‘Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot’ Encourages Churches to Embrace Children in Need

The example set by a rural East Texas town inspires families to adopt and foster at-risk children

Go See ‘Sound of Hope’ — Then Ask God What He Wants You to Do Next

‘To adopt a child is a great work of love.’ —Pope St. John Paul II

‘Sound of Hope’: How One Church Adopted 77 Foster Kids and Changed Lives

‘The story of Possum Trot is the solution to the foster care crisis and it’s a roadmap for every Catholic Church.’

Our Lady of Sorrows: Mary's Maternal Wisdom

New book: ‘In the moments of her most unbearable suffering, Mary stayed close to Jesus and kept her eyes fixed on him.’

Notre Dame’s New President Says University Must ‘Build Bridges’ in a Broken World

At his Sept. 13 inauguration, Father Bob Dowd announced that the university would go ‘need-blind’ and ‘loan-free’ for undergraduate students by replacing loans in financial aid packages with ‘gift aid.’

What Should I Meditate On for the Third Luminous Mystery, Diabolical Disorientation Versus Radical Reorientation, and More Great Links!

The Best In Catholic Blogging

Priest Urges Church in Nigeria to Address Needs of Youth Who Are ‘Returning to Paganism’

To encourage young rural people to stay in the Church, the priest has suggested that the Church in Nigeria rethink its role and look for practical ways to empower youths in the country.

‘God’s Not Dead 4’: Does God Still Have a Place in American Politics?

The movie is a plea to invite God back into the public square.

Why I’ll Never Remove My Scapular Again, The Only Way to Remove a Demon, and More Great Links!

‘the incorruptibles’: who are these mysterious saints, pope francis: us presidential election a choice between ‘the lesser evil’, post-debate explainer: the truth about late-term abortions in the united states, pope francis will not go to paris for notre dame cathedral reopening, pope francis creates new archdiocese in wales, appoints its first bishop, ryan anderson: the pro-life movement needs to shift to promoting chastity and marriage, the triumph of the cross, viewed through the stigmata, worried about the economy the trump-harris debate had little to offer you, james likoudis was a beacon of catholic faith in a changing world, subscription options.

Subscriber Service Center Already a subscriber? Renew or manage your subscription here .

Subscribe and Save HALF OFF! Start your Register subscription today.

Give a Gift Subscription Bless friends, family or clergy with a gift of the Register.

Order Bulk Subscriptions Get a discount on 6 or more copies sent to your parish, organization or school.

Sign-up for E-Newsletter Get Register Updates sent daily or weeklyto your inbox.

• Skip to main content
• Skip to secondary menu
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Catholic Review

Inspiring the Archdiocese of Baltimore

Movie Review: ‘Lifemark’

NEW YORK – A mother and child reunion is more than a motion away in the sensitive fact-based drama “Lifemark” (Fathom). The subtle maneuvering required to bring it about provides much of the slender plot for this gently touching movie.

Realizing that David Colton (Raphael Ruggero), the son she gave up for adoption as an infant, would now be turning 18 – and thus be entitled to decide whether to be in contact with her or not – Melissa Cates (Dawn Long) seeks to reconnect with the lad. But she finds him hesitant to agree.

Principally, that’s because the arrangement has turned out to be a great success and David doesn’t want to put a strain on the close bond he has formed with Susan (Rebecca Rogers Nelson) and Jimmy (Kirk Cameron), the couple who raised him. For different reasons, Brian (Lowrey Brown), David’s biological father, is also cool to the idea of reviving the past.

As Susan allies with Melissa to try to change David’s mind, his classmate and best friend, mildly eccentric aspiring filmmaker Nate (Justin Sterner), is on hand to document his pal’s decision making. Nate’s hit-or-miss wisecracks are designed to serve as comic relief from the sometimes-lachrymose proceedings.

All but those viewers determined to be cynical will bask in the warm glow of director and co-writer Kevin Peeples’ salute to the value of adoption while also taking in its vivid illustration of the deadly toll exacted by one alternative course of action. The presence of that option contributes to making David’s story inappropriate for little kids.

Adolescents, by contrast, may find food for reflection in his tale, which was also recounted in the 2017 documentary short “I Lived on Parker Avenue.” Additionally, “Lifemark” might form the basis for a family discussion on a vital – and, thanks to the recent overturning of the notorious Roe v. Wade decision, very timely – topic.

Look for: Upstanding values and an uplifting tone.

Look out for: Cohabitation and mature themes, including abortion and out-of-wedlock pregnancy.

The Catholic Moviegoer’s guidance is T – suitable for mature teens. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG-13 – parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

Read More Movie & Television Reviews

• Movie Review: ‘Transformers One’

Movie Review: ‘Speak No Evil’

James Earl Jones, distinguished actor and Catholic convert, dies at 93

Movie Review: ‘The Front Room’

Home viewing roundup: What’s available to stream and what’s on horizon

Movie Review: ‘Reagan’

Copyright © 2022 Catholic Review Media

Real Life. Real Faith. 

Catholic Review Media communicates the Gospel and its impact on people’s lives in the Archdiocese of Baltimore and beyond.

Our Mission

Catholic Review Media provides intergenerational communications that inform, teach, inspire and engage Catholics and all of good will in the mission of Christ through diverse forms of media.

Catholic Review 320 Cathedral Street Baltimore, MD 21201 443-524-3150 [email protected]

Social Media

• Chaplain at sea: Retired Iowa diocesan priest ministers to the faithful on cruises
• Detroit author shows a ‘Catholic love story is the best love story’ in debut novel
• Irish Loreto Sisters pass blessing of education to another generation — and need support
• Russian forces fear Ukrainian identity, persecute Ukrainian Catholics, says exiled bishop
• Consecrated virgin ‘gives all, day and night,’ amid Russia’s war in Ukraine
• Both U.S. presidential candidates espouse anti-life views, pope says
• Pope expresses solidarity with Vietnam flood victims; local Caritas agency rushes to help
• Tradition will meet subtle modernity in restored Notre Dame Cathedral

Catholic Media Assocation

Maryland-Delaware-DC Press Association

The Associated Church Press

Get news & reviews in your inbox

• Prime Video
• Documentary
• Producers Corner
• Watch Lists
• More Than A Movie Night
• It’s Dove Approved – Family Movie Trivia Game
• Dove Ratings
• Privacy Policy

David’s comfortable world is turned upside down when his birthmother unexpectedly reaches out to him, longing to meet the 18-year-old son she’s only held once.

Dove Review

A young man coming of age is faced with questions about his biological parents in the new film Lifemark , the latest release from the Kendrick Brothers ( War Room, Fireproof, Courageous ). David, the central character, is part of a loving Christian family with supportive friends when he receives a message from his Melissa, who put him up for adoption as a baby. This message and the option to discover more about the woman sets the wheels in motion for a story of self-discovery and possible reconciliation.

Lifemark transposes David’s life with flashbacks of his adoptive parents as young marrieds dealing with the aftermath of a miscarriage and a challenging road of adoption. At the same time, his biological parents’ worlds are rocked with news of an unplanned pregnancy and the decisions they wrestle with over what to do. The closer David gets to the truth about himself, the more is uncovered about how each person’s life was affected by his arrival, and the question remains if he will meet his parents and if so, what will their reaction be?

The Kendricks have leaned on issues of fatherhood in previous films, and while there is a large stream of that here, the main theme is the sanctity of life. In a flashback, Melissa and her boyfriend Brian are at an abortion clinic, ready to terminate the pregnancy when she reconsiders. Because of that last-minute decision, David was raised in a godly home and from all indications is growing into being a man of God. The story celebrates and applauds that decision, while still showing care to the young couple who were put in a difficult situation.

Along with its pro-life theme, the film points to God as the life Giver and the Source of happiness. It is God-honoring and David’s family are devout, church-going Christians. David’s father Jimmy, played by Kirk Cameron, is a rock, even when David’s wrestling career is sidelined early in the story. “God has a plan for you, David,” he reassures him.

Based on a true story, Lifemark is a story that will bring families together and share pro-life, pro-family values in a non-threatening or condemning way. It shows how beautiful and blessed it is when a person makes the choice for life and living for God.

Dove Rating Details

The film is full-on evangelical Christian, giving God credit for life and the good things found in it. The family prays together and encourages each other spiritually.

Many of the characters are already devout Christians, but the ones who are facing challenges come to see the benefits of choosing God’s way.

The plot revolves around the resolution of an unwanted, unplanned teenage pregnancy.

Discussion of abortion, although not in graphic detail.

More Information

Film information, dove content.

Faith Film Producer DeVon Franklin Steps in Front of the Camera for ‘Jesus Revolution’

Cyrano: Love is a Verb

Redeeming Love: Grace Rising Up Out of the Dirt

Filmmakers Highlight the Hope and Heroism in “Gi...

Log in or sign up for Rotten Tomatoes

Trouble logging in?

By continuing, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from the Fandango Media Brands .

By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes and to receive email from the Fandango Media Brands .

By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes.

Email not verified

Let's keep in touch.

Sign up for the Rotten Tomatoes newsletter to get weekly updates on:

• Upcoming Movies and TV shows
• Rotten Tomatoes Podcast
• Media News + More

By clicking "Sign Me Up," you are agreeing to receive occasional emails and communications from Fandango Media (Fandango, Vudu, and Rotten Tomatoes) and consenting to Fandango's Privacy Policy and Terms and Policies . Please allow 10 business days for your account to reflect your preferences.

OK, got it!

• About Rotten Tomatoes®
• Login/signup

Movies in theaters

• Opening This Week
• Top Box Office
• Coming Soon to Theaters
• Certified Fresh Movies

Movies at Home

• Fandango at Home
• Prime Video
• Most Popular Streaming Movies
• What to Watch New

Certified fresh picks

• 85% Speak No Evil Link to Speak No Evil
• 77% Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Link to Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
• 95% Rebel Ridge Link to Rebel Ridge

New TV Tonight

• -- Emmys: Season 76
• -- American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez: Season 1
• -- Agatha All Along: Season 1
• 93% The Penguin: Season 1
• -- Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story: Season 2
• -- Twilight of the Gods: Season 1
• -- Tulsa King: Season 2
• -- High Potential: Season 1
• -- Frasier: Season 2
• -- A Very Royal Scandal: Season 1

Most Popular TV on RT

• 61% The Perfect Couple: Season 1
• 85% The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power: Season 2
• 74% Kaos: Season 1
• 63% The Old Man: Season 2
• 100% Slow Horses: Season 4
• 100% Dark Winds: Season 2
• -- Into the Fire: The Lost Daughter: Season 1
• 93% Bad Monkey: Season 1
• Best TV Shows
• Most Popular TV

Certified fresh pick

• 93% The Penguin: Season 1 Link to The Penguin: Season 1
• All-Time Lists
• Binge Guide
• Comics on TV
• Five Favorite Films
• Video Interviews
• Weekend Box Office
• Weekly Ketchup
• What to Watch

Resident Evil Movies In Order: How To Watch The Series Chronologically

50 Best New Horror Movies of 2024

What to Watch: In Theaters and On Streaming

Awards Tour

Transformers One First Reviews: The Best Transformers Movie Yet

The Penguin First Reviews: Colin Farrell’s Wild Performance Makes the Series a Must-Watch

• Trending on RT
• Hispanic Heritage Month
• Emmy Predictions
• Toronto Film Festival
• Best New Horror Movies

Where to Watch

Rent Lifemark on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, Apple TV, or buy it on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, Apple TV.

Cast & Crew

Kevin Peeples

Kirk Cameron

Jimmy Colton

Alex Kendrick

Shawn Cates

Raphael Ruggero

David Colton

Marisa Lynae Hampton

Young Melissa

Melissa Cates

Screen Rant

105 Minutes

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

Kevin Peeples

Kendrick Brothers

Kevin Peeples

Kendrick Brothers

PG-13

105 Minutes

Reviews (0)

Have You Watched It?

Be the first to leave your review.

Your Rating

Raphael ruggero, kirk cameron, rebecca rogers, alex kendrick, related titles.

eternal sunshine of the spotless mind

BABY REINDEER

Your comment has not been saved

Have you watched it?

Be the first to leave a community review!

• Back to Focus on the Family Podcast Network

Movie Review: Lifemark

The latest cinematic venture from the Kendrick Brothers tells the poignant true story of an 18-year-old seeking to reconnect with the mother who gave him up for adoption.

Read the Plugged In review: https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/lifemark-2022/

If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

Recent Episodes

• Movie Review: God’s Not Dead: In God We Trust
• TV Review: Shadrach
• SiYP: New Senate Bills Protecting Teens
• Pop Culture Remix: The Campaign
• Movie Review: Inside Out 2
• Movie Review: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
• TV Review: Time Bandits
• SiYP: Digital Self-harm
• Culture Remix: Thank Goodness You’re Here

Search Catholic-Link

LIFEMARK Movie Review: The Adoption Story of David Scotton

Are you thinking about going to see the new Christian movie Lifemark starring Kirk Cameron and Raphael Ruggero, and directed by Kevin Peeples and the Kendrick brothers? This pro-life movie follows the adoption story of David Scotton, who goes on a journey to meet his birth parents.

LIFEMARK: The Adoption Story of David Scotton | Catholic Movie Review

To learn more about the movie, check out https://lifemarkmovie.com/

Celebrate Soon-to-Be-Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati!

Kid's sizes are now available!

Keep Searching, Keep Learning

Our newest videos:.

Catholic Pro-Soccer Player Taylor Kemp Shares About His Faith

by Drew and Katie Taylor | Sep 10, 2024 | Catholic-Link.org YouTube , Leadership , Testimonies

Join professional soccer player Taylor Kemp as he shares his faith journey and lessons learned in the locker room. This Catholic conversion story will inspire and enlighten soccer fans everywhere. Taylor Kemp works through the realities of high-performance team...

The St. Francis Tradition That Nobody Knows About

by Drew and Katie Taylor | Sep 6, 2024 | August , Catholic-Link.org YouTube , Liturgical Seasons

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZDX5IGqx5U St. Michael’s Lent Tradition For today’s show, I’ve titled it “The St. Francis Tradition That Nobody Knows About.” Jamie, you’ve really embraced this on Exodus 90. Can you explain what St. Michael’s Lent is and why it’s...

How To Be A Catholic Man

by Drew and Katie Taylor | Aug 24, 2024 | Catholic-Link.org YouTube , Family , June , Vocation

I think we all recognize that there's something wrong with manliness in our society today. So, if you're looking to figure out what true manhood is, stay tuned because we're going to be talking to Dave DiNuzzo from truemanhood.com....

Testimony Of A Miracle Healing At American Conference

by Drew and Katie Taylor | Aug 17, 2024 | Catholic-Link.org YouTube , Testimonies

There are some incredible things happening in America right now. Recently, I attended a conference with a healing service and witnessed something truly miraculous. A girl in front of me, who had walked in on crutches because her foot had been crushed, couldn't even...

On Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department

by Amber Moseley | Aug 9, 2024 | Music | A Selection Of Our Favorite Catholic And Christian Songs and Artists

A few months have passed since Taylor Swift dropped her double album, The Tortured Poets Department, and I am still processing the 31 profoundly spoken songs. Taylor has long been known for her lyrical genius and genuine recollection of her feelings, but this album...

Are There Catholic Symbols In “A Quiet Place Day One”?

by Mateo A. Rivera | Aug 8, 2024 | Catholic-Link.org YouTube , Movie Reviews and Recommendations

I want to talk about the Christian and even Catholic images in "A Quiet Place: Day One" because they were very interesting to see and prompted a lot of questions. Is there somebody Catholic working on the post-production of this film? Hi, I'm Mateo Rivera, The...

Can You Go To Confession After A Divorce?

by Fr. George Elliott | Jul 27, 2024 | Catholic-Link.org YouTube , Confession

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3pP0UCvJfQ The situation isn't a strict yes or no, especially if you've been married outside of the church but are now considering getting married inside. There's a window for confession in such cases, which I'll explain now. Some...

What Are The Papal States?

by Fr. George Elliott | Jul 13, 2024 | Catholic-Link.org YouTube , History of the Church

In this video, Fr. George discusses the formation and evolution of the Papal States, which emerged after the collapse of the Roman Empire amidst barbarian invasions. He shares about the role of the Catholic Church, particularly leaders like Pope Gregory the Great, in...

PDA And Cell Phones During Mass? Fr. Rob Gives Insight

by Fr. Rob Adams | Jul 6, 2024 | Catholic-Link.org YouTube , Mass

Ask A Priest Question: You mentioned that there are various resources discussing what one should and shouldn't do during Mass, as well as how to show respect and honor to the Lord. Recently, a friend of mine attended Mass, and a young couple seated in front of her...

Should Catholics Watch SOUND OF HOPE: POSSUM TROT?

by Drew and Katie Taylor | Jul 6, 2024 | Catholic-Link.org YouTube , Movie Reviews and Recommendations

I had to pause this movie at several points just to cry, just to feel the roller coaster of emotions that I was feeling. But in the struggle, there is grace. In that way, I think this movie is a glimpse of heaven, and I'm going to explain why. Hi, I'm Matteo Rivera,...

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Pin it on pinterest.

America's #1 Show on Pop Culture and Politics

Cast: Kirk Cameron, Raphael Ruggero, Rebecca Rogers Nelson

Release Date: Fri, Sep 9, 2022

Rated: PG-13

Latest Movie Reviews

Follow Michael

Michael Medved

Most Popular