Providence

Without audible dialogue, the independent Christian film Providence tells a story of God’s sovereign guidance throughout the lives of two off-and-on-again friends. The unrated (but family-friendly) limited-release film is the latest project of Fred and Sharon Wilharm, who in 2014 produced the silent feature The Good Book.

Providence follows two young Christians (a guy and a girl, in their teens played by Josh Allen and Stacey Bradshaw) growing up in the same small town. They don’t meet each other until they reach high school, where their friendship begins to blossom into something more. But they grow apart when one begins to study (and follow) the Bible more seriously while the other chases earthly pursuits. Decades later, as middle-aged adults (played by Rich Swingle and Juli Tapken), the two cross paths again.

It’s the viewers’ job to recognize the clues—even simple things like characters’ names—that the film slowly provides to give meaning to the story. The need for patient attentiveness, at first a bit of an irksome task, actually reinforces the message. We might not always know why our lives unfold as they do, but that doesn’t mean we should give up looking (and praying) for God’s leading.

Viewers do get some help from the lyrics of the indie folk-pop soundtrack that includes Kevin Max’s gorgeous “When We Were Young.” Each song, though, transitions to the next with no downtime and in some cases with startling choppiness.

Other minor flaws—some exaggerated facial expressions, the camera crew’s reflection in a chapel’s glass door—detract only a little. The film’s camerawork stands out from the start, with smartly lit shots, richly designed sets, and scenes framed from interesting angles.

Providence is a gentle story of love, not only of a man for a woman, but of a Heavenly Father for His children. Those who have ears to hear, let them hear His still, small voice.