02/22/2021
In Deese’s charming fish-out-of-water tale (after Before I Called You Mine), a social media influencer finds humility and purpose while trying to find fame. Beauty Instagrammer and would-be actor Molly McKenzie has her eye on a role on a reality TV show about helping underprivileged youth and decides to pad her résumé by volunteering at a summer program for young adults who have aged out of foster care. She’s initially rejected by the program’s director, Silas Whittaker, but is later given a trial run after she comes up with a syllabus for a life skills class. Molly clicks with the residents, and Silas starts to see her as more than a pretty face—and realizes he needs her fund-raising expertise and Instagram prowess to help expand the program. The two soon fall in love, and Molly starts to regret her narcissistic intentions after spending time with the people in the program. But when Molly wavers on pursuing reality TV, her vindictive manager, who has legal control of her finances, puts the the program’s fund-raising efforts at risk. In a tight spot, Molly turns to God for guidance. Deese combines to great effect her bracing take on those affected by foster care and Molly’s personal evolution. Fans of Rachel Hauck should take a look. (Apr.)
