Coming Home Movie & Study Guide
Dear Friends,
When I created "Coming Home," my intention was to make a film focused on healing for families. It was produced for only $1,000, filmed on an iPhone, and made possible by the dedication of a passionate volunteer crew and talented actors. The heartfelt desire to help families heal is central to this movie, and I hope that as you watch it, you will relate to the themes of family, pain, the need to let go, and the power of prayer.
I encourage you to share this film with your loved ones during the Christmas season or any time of the year. We all need love, forgiveness, mercy, grace, and the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ throughout the year.
God bless, and enjoy the entire movie right here for FREE. - Dr. Layne McDonald
Click on the video below to watch the whole movie FOR FREE:
Coming Home: A Study Guide
Short Answer Questions
Instructions: Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each.
What prompts John to consider returning to his hometown?
Describe the relationship between John and his brother, Matt. How does Matt's perspective on their father differ from John's?
What are the primary sources of tension in John's marriage? How do these tensions connect to the film's themes?
How does John’s daughter, Hope, demonstrate awareness of the family's struggles?
What is the significance of the Saint Joseph statue in the film?
How does John’s perception of his father evolve throughout the film? What prompts this change?
Explain the symbolism of the "Coming Home" videotapes.
What is the significance of John's initial resistance to prayer? How does this change?
How does the setting of the small town contribute to the film's themes?
What is the central message or lesson that the film conveys about family, forgiveness, and faith?
Short Answer Key
Answer: John's father's death prompts him to consider returning to his hometown. The news forces him to confront unresolved feelings and the strained relationship he had with his father.
Answer: Matt and John have a complex relationship marked by differing views on their father. Matt has forgiven their father and sees the positive changes he made later in life, while John struggles to reconcile with his father's past actions.
Answer: John's demanding job creates tension in his marriage, leading to feelings of neglect and isolation for his wife, Mary. The film explores the challenges of balancing work and family and the importance of open communication.
Answer: Hope's awareness of her father's absence and the strain it puts on her mother is evident in her comments and actions. She highlights the importance of family presence.
Answer: The Saint Joseph statue represents fatherhood and faith. It is a reminder of John’s father’s journey toward faith and reconciliation.
Answer: Through flashbacks and conversations, John begins to see a different side of his father, one marked by remorse and attempts at change. Watching his father's video message prompts a significant shift in John's understanding.
Answer: The "Coming Home" tapes symbolize John’s father's longing for connection and his desire to share his story. They serve as a bridge between the past and present, facilitating healing and understanding.
Answer: John's initial resistance to prayer reflects his struggle to reconcile with his past and find solace in faith. His eventual embrace of prayer signifies a turning point in his journey toward healing and spiritual growth.
Answer: The small-town setting emphasizes the importance of community, tradition, and shared history. It provides a backdrop for John's journey of self-discovery and reconciliation.
Answer: The film conveys the importance of forgiveness, the transformative power of faith, and the enduring significance of family bonds. It suggests that healing and growth are possible even in the face of past hurt and strained relationships.
Essay Questions
Analyze the role of forgiveness in the film. How do different characters grapple with forgiveness, and what are the consequences of their choices?
Explore the film's portrayal of the complexities of father-son relationships. How do past experiences shape John's relationships with his father, brother, and own children?
Discuss the significance of setting in "Coming Home." How does the small-town environment influence the characters' values, relationships, and sense of belonging?
Examine the theme of faith in the film. How do different characters express their faith, and how does faith contribute to their journeys of healing and transformation?
Analyze the use of symbolism in "Coming Home," focusing on specific symbols like the Saint Joseph statue, the "Coming Home" videotapes, or the town square. How do these symbols enhance the film's themes and deepen the audience's understanding?
Glossary of Key Terms
Reconciliation: The process of restoring harmony and resolving conflict in a relationship.
Forgiveness: The act of pardoning someone for an offense or wrongdoing, releasing feelings of resentment or anger.
Faith: Trust or belief in God or a higher power, often without logical proof.
Redemption: The act of being saved or delivered from sin, error, or evil.
Transformation: A profound change in someone's character, beliefs, or values.
Spiritual Healing: The process of restoring wholeness and well-being in the spiritual dimension of a person.
Symbolism: The use of objects, actions, or ideas to represent abstract concepts or ideas.
Setting: The time and place in which the events of a story occur.
Theme: The central idea or message that a work of literature or film conveys.
Parable: A short allegorical story designed to illustrate a moral or religious principle.
Coming Home: A Briefing Doc
Main Themes:
Redemption and Forgiveness: The film centers around John, a successful surgeon struggling with unresolved issues stemming from his abusive childhood. His father's death forces him to confront his past and seek forgiveness, ultimately leading to reconciliation with his family and faith.
The Importance of Family: The story emphasizes the significance of family bonds, showcasing the power of love and unity, even in the face of past hurts and disagreements. John's journey highlights the importance of prioritizing family over work and material success.
Faith and Spirituality: The film portrays the transformative power of faith. John's father's return to Christianity and reliance on prayer inspires John to reexamine his own beliefs and seek solace in spirituality.
Key Ideas and Facts:
John's inner conflict: John's resentment towards his father manifests in his workaholic tendencies and emotional detachment from his wife and children. He initially avoids dealing with his past, but his father's death forces him to confront his pain.
The power of prayer: Prayer plays a significant role in the film, both as a source of comfort for the characters and a catalyst for change. John's father's transformation is attributed to prayer, and John himself eventually turns to prayer for guidance.
Symbolism of St. Joseph: The recurring presence of St. Joseph statues represents John's father's desire for a strong and loving family. The saint, known as the patron saint of fatherhood, symbolizes the ideal John's father strived for despite his flaws.
The town as a symbol of home: The small town setting represents a return to roots and a sense of community. John's return home triggers a journey of self-discovery and healing, prompting him to reevaluate his priorities.
The contrast between John and James: John's brother, James, embodies the values of family and faith, contrasting with John's initial focus on work and material success. This contrast highlights the different paths they choose and the consequences of those choices.
Key Quotes:
"Sometimes it takes something bigger than our egos to get our attention." This quote emphasizes the need for individuals to confront their flaws and prioritize what truly matters.
"Family is the only thing that matters. Period." This statement underscores the central message of the film, emphasizing the importance of familial bonds above all else.
"The way a man might not lead to the way of God. The way a man might lead to death." This quote highlights the potential dangers of prioritizing personal desires over faith and spiritual guidance.
"The present is called a present. It's a gift." This line encourages viewers to appreciate the present moment and find joy in the blessings of life.
"You can work to live or you can live to work." This quote emphasizes the importance of finding balance between work and personal life, reminding viewers not to lose sight of their priorities.
Overall:
"Coming Home" delivers a heartwarming story about redemption, forgiveness, and the enduring power of family. It encourages viewers to confront their past, embrace faith, and prioritize the things that truly matter in life. The film effectively utilizes symbolism and poignant dialogue to convey its message, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.