I Still Believe (2020) Movie: Jeremy Camp’s Love Story Hits Different Than Other Faith Films

I Still Believe brings Jeremy Camp’s real-life story to the big screen with surprising heart. The Erwin Brothers craft a love story that hits harder than expected, starring KJ Apa and Britt Robertson as the couple facing impossible odds.

This isn’t your typical faith-based movie that preaches at you. Instead, it focuses on two young people whose love gets tested by terminal cancer. The result feels more genuine than many similar films in this space.

A Love Story Worth Telling

Jeremy Camp was just another college kid with musical dreams when he met Melissa Henning. Their connection happens fast – maybe too fast for some viewers, but it works within the film’s emotional framework. The chemistry between Apa and Robertson sells this whirlwind romance convincingly.

When Stage 3C ovarian cancer enters their story, everything changes. Instead of running away, Jeremy chooses to marry Melissa anyway. This decision becomes the heart of everything that follows – a choice between fear and love.

Performances That Feel Real

KJ Apa steps away from his Riverdale persona to become someone completely different. His Jeremy feels like a real person, not a movie character. Sure, some moments lean heavy on the earnestness, but Apa commits fully to the role’s emotional demands.

Britt Robertson gives the film its soul as Melissa. She could have easily played this as a tragic victim, but instead creates a woman who faces death with remarkable strength. I found myself caring about her fate even knowing how the story ends.

Music That Actually Matters

Unlike many music biopics, the songs here serve the story instead of interrupting it. Jeremy Camp’s music becomes his way of processing grief and finding meaning. The title track performance near the film’s end packed an emotional punch I didn’t see coming.

The concert scenes feel authentic rather than staged. Apa handles the musical performances well, making Jeremy’s artistic journey believable. The soundtrack supports the narrative without overwhelming it – a balance many similar films struggle to achieve.

Direction With Heart

The Erwin Brothers know their audience but don’t talk down to them. Their approach stays grounded in human emotion rather than religious messaging. The hospital scenes particularly avoid melodrama while still delivering powerful moments.

Visual storytelling remains simple and effective throughout. The warm cinematography creates intimacy without feeling manipulative. I appreciated their restraint in potentially overwrought scenes – less became more in this case.

Mixed Reception Makes Sense

Critics gave this 53% on Rotten Tomatoes, while audiences scored it 91%. That gap tells the whole story – reviewers often approach faith-based films with skepticism, while regular viewers connect with the human elements. The 6.5 IMDb rating splits the difference.

Some criticism feels unfair, dismissing the film simply for its Christian themes. Others rightfully point out predictable story beats. Both perspectives have merit, but the audience response suggests something worthwhile happened here.

What Works and What Doesn’t

The central relationship carries the entire film successfully. Robertson and Apa create believable characters facing an impossible situation. Their love story feels earned rather than manufactured, which makes the tragic elements hit harder.

However, some plot developments follow expected patterns. The screenplay occasionally telegraphs its emotional beats too clearly. A few scenes push toward manipulation when subtlety might have worked better.

Bottom Line

I Still Believe succeeds by focusing on universal human experiences rather than religious doctrine. The love story between Jeremy and Melissa transcends its faith-based origins to become something more widely relatable. Strong performances anchor a story that could have easily become maudlin.

This film won’t convert skeptics of the genre, but it represents what faith-based cinema can accomplish when it prioritizes character over message. The real Jeremy and Melissa’s story deserved this respectful, heartfelt treatment.

Rating: 3.5/5