Runaway groom

A mostly harmless love story, Forever My Girl, based on the Heidi McLaughlin novel, bespeaks the faith-film industry’s transition from preachy fare to more widely appealing productions. Churchgoing characters figure prominently in this new film, and a pastor talks about forgiveness. But there’s also a hunky guy in a couple of brief underwear-only shots, as well as three violations of the Third Commandment. (Alcohol drinking and some other sensuality further warrant the PG rating.) That’s real life, right? Viewers won’t leave the theater feeling they’ve sat through a sermon.

Country music star Liam Page (Alex Roe) doesn’t show up on his wedding day. Not only does he abandon his bride-to-be, Josie (Jessica Rothe), he jilts his entire small Louisiana hometown for the big stage. But he doesn’t forget about Josie.

Eight years later, a funeral brings Liam home, and he sets about winning Josie back and squaring with his father and former friends. Early in the film, he learns he has another bridge to build—with a daughter, Billy (Abby Ryder Fortson), now 7, conceived with Josie just before the ill-fated wedding day. Will Liam choose fame or family? (Or can he get both?)

The film is ripe for a dialogue on chastity and crisis pregnancy, but doesn’t tackle either—again, no preachiness. Still, for a story sewn together with a string of aw-shucks moments where Liam and Josie reacquaint their gazes, Forever My Girl has many positives, such as a quality soundtrack and solid acting. Roe deftly delivers subtle nods and pensive looks. Young actress Fortson largely succeeds in her pivotal role, which screenwriter and director Bethany Ashton Wolf counts on for light humor.

Apocalyptic alarms might not sound for the film’s 30 seconds of objectionable material, but faith-film fans should take note.