Kendrick Brothers’ LIFEMARK soars to Netflix Top Ten

The mega movie news site SCREEN RANT is reporting that LIFEMARK, a 2022 Christian movie, has found newfound popularity on Netflix. According to SCREEN RANT, the pro-life, pro adoption film linked to the War Room creators

made it to no. 8 on the chart for the week of April 22 to April 28, getting 3.5 million views.

I was one of the lucky few to see LIFEMARK in cinemas upon its release and found it was a simple story, a weepy emotional ride, but very sentimental, with some poor de-ageing effects.

My friend made an observation that Chekhov’s gun was not shot. A medical condition acquired by the young lead character in the introduction, did not become a problem in the sports-related climax of the film. However despite the odd visuals of deaged characters (not by CGI, but by makeup and lighting) and some weak acting, it is a good ride. LIFEMARK captures some very fun elements of family life, and treats the subject of teen pregnancy with grace and tact.

SCREEN RANT continues their article:

However, not all people were as positive about the movie. One Rotten Tomatoes audience reviewer wrote that Lifemark was “a vehicle to push a pro-life agenda.” This take on the film may have been part of why Lifemark did not receive a wider distribution, as the politicized undertones may have offset the message about adoption and grappling with one’s past.

I, for one, appreciated the film’s earnest efforts to promote adoption as a valid way to deal with teen pregnancy (as opposed to abortion). Why not allow a child to live, when that is a possible solution? It is clear the Kendrick Brothers’ hearts are in the right place, even if the art they make is not always very…artistic. Note: LIFEMARK was not directed by the Brothers themselves. It was directed by Kevin Peeples, but is co-written with Alex and Stephen Kendrick.

Lifemark is definitely in the Hallmark movie camp. The music swells with sincere sadness, tears and heart. If you are someone who hates cheesy movies, don’t watch LIFEMARK. But if you want a true story that touches on the heartstrings, with a focus on the power of Family, and adoption after teen pregnancy – then this movie is for you.