Movie Reviews October Baby

Mar 21, 2012

Opening to select theaters nationwide on March 23, “October Baby” blends the perfect amount of humor, honesty and hope into a beautiful story of love, life and the power of forgiveness.

The film begins with an introduction to 19-year-old college freshman Hannah (Rachel Hendrix), who suddenly loses consciousness out at the beginning of her college play. After a night in the hospital, she seeks answers from her physician and her parents Grace and Jacob (played by Jennifer Price and Hollywood veteran John Schneider).

Hannah soon discovers not only that she is adopted, but that her long history of health issues are all tied to her premature birth – a premature birth caused by a failed abortion.

Desperate for answers, Hannah accepts the help of her oldest friend Jason (Jason Burkey), and hitches a ride with a group of college students on their way to Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Hannah hopes a side trip to Mobile, Alabama where she was born will reveal the answers she needs.

The spring break excursion leads Hannah on some interesting adventures with a little comic relief provided by chaperon and VW bus owner B-Mac (Chris Sligh of American Idol fame), and the story of her search for her biological mother helping her get out of some tight situations.

Hannah is eventually able to find Mary Rutledge (Jasmine Guy), the clinic nurse who assisted with her mother’s failed abortion and later helped her to get to the hospital where Hannah was born. Mary’s story is one of the more powerful moments of the film, as she reveals shocking news to Hannah during the young woman's quest to find her birth mother.

Through unexpected twists and turns, the film ultimately presents itself as an honest and charming story that reminds us that every life is beautiful, and that we can seek freedom through forgiveness, for ourselves and those we love.

With its strong themes and artistic portrayal, this film will be part of the pro-life discussion for a long time to come.

“October Baby” is rated PG-13 for “Mature Thematic Material.”