I've become rather obnoxiously firm as of late about enforcing my website's guidelines around review, however, I decided to make a rare exception for Jessica Koloian's directorial debut Reason to Believe, an emotionally resonant occasional weeper recently released by Collide Distribution and available on the usual streaming platforms. 

I've been a fan of Koloian's since 2018's Thy Neighbor, an Indiana produced film from George Johnson. I'm even more impressed with Koloian now that she's crossing over into the director's chair. 

Reason to Believe centers around Christine (Koloian), a self-absorbed college senior more prone to parties than fulfilling familial responsibilities. When her mother, Jennifer (Jennifer Taylor), has a stroke, Christine's plans to escape the family are thrown a curve as she's forced to confront the chaos of her family, her faith, and herself. 

Written by W. Veazie, Reason to Believe is an emotionally honest and intellectually curious film that asks big questions, faces big challenges, and refuses to provide easy, trite answers along the way. It's to the credit of Koloian that we like Christine even when we don't completely get her, Koloian's fleshing out of this young woman is filled with both naturalism and a strong compassion. While Christine parties, a lot, pals Emily (Taylor Abigail Rice) and Missy (Ashley Puzemis) are believable buds with a nice chemistry. 

As someone who left the homestead at seventeen, I identified quite a bit with Christine. As someone whose father passed away this past year, I also identified with a family crisis suddenly tossing in unexpected choices. Koloian, working from Veazie's terrific script, handles this all naturally with strong elements of spirituality and faith focused largely within Catholicism. 

In addition to Jennifer Taylor's Jennifer, Colette Hahn impresses as Christine's younger sister Amy. Tim Bensch is strong as the father for whom Christine no longer has time. Mike Markoff also really drives the narrative here as Father Matthew, a priest with a YouTube Channel whose words of wisdom help guide the film's narrative. 

Stylistic choices impress throughout. Christian Barreno's lensing for the film is practically a storyteller unto itself. Benjamin Moy's original score serves as tone-setting companion for the film. The production design impresses, from early naturalism to late film deep dives into the film's more pronounced spiritual elements. 

Ultimately, Reason to Believe lives and breathes on Koloian's intuitive direction and deeply impressive performance. However, she is surrounded by a strong ensemble that really brings life to this tapestry of honest humanity and faith. 

There aren't a lot of faith-based films that really pull in my emotions, however, Reason to Believe drew me in and didn't let me go. Kudos to both Koloian and Veazie for creating a compelling, curious story that engages and challenges and deeply moves. 

I know for sure you can watch Reason to Believe on Prime (rental) or Tubi (free). It's a great way to support an up-and-coming filmmaker whose name you haven't heard for the last time. 

Written by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic