I Can Only Imagine 2018

The film begins with Bart Millard, a 10-year-old boy from Greenville, Texas, whose life is marred by his father’s alcoholism and verbal abuse. Arthur, played by Dennis Quaid, treats Bart and his mother harshly, leading Bart to escape into his imagination, where he creates art from discarded items. However, his father’s fury shatters his creations by burning them in a fire pit, symbolizing the destruction of Bart’s hopes and dreams.

Bart’s mother decides to send him to a week-long Christian camp, where she tearfully reassures him, saying, “You know I love you, right?” A young Bart carries her love with him as he meets Shannon, a fellow camper who takes him under her wing. Their bond blossoms quickly, and after an embarrassing incident involving a doodle proclaiming “Shannon Loves Bart Millard,” they share a heartfelt moment under the stars, contemplating the possibility of future love.

Returning home, Bart is heartbroken to discover that his mother is moving away, leading to a desperate chase after the moving truck, crying out not to be left behind. Fast forward a few years, teenage Bart, now played by J. Michael Finley, is navigating high school and dating Shannon. He continues his father’s legacy as a football player but faces a devastating injury that ends his athletic dreams.

While recuperating, Bart’s musical talent catches the eye of the school’s music director, who casts him in a production of Oklahoma. Reluctantly, he accepts the role, showcasing his voice in a way that captivates everyone, including his father. However, Arthur’s health takes a turn for the worse when he discovers he has pancreatic cancer. As Bart grapples with his father’s illness, he struggles to express his emotions, driving a wedge between him and Shannon, who longs for him to open up.

After graduating, Bart ventures to Oklahoma City with hopes of a music career, where he assembles a band that forms the foundation of MercyMe. They play at various youth camps, eventually catching the attention of producer Scott Brickell portrayed by Trace Adkins. Despite the pressures of the industry and facing rejection from record executives, Bart realizes he must mend the relationships in his life before pursuing his dreams more fully.

Returning home, he finds his father transformed, reading the Bible and seeking redemption, which stirs skepticism in Bart. However, they connect deeply in their final days together, culminating in a profound bond before Arthur’s passing. Following the funeral, Bart rejoins MercyMe, where inspiration strikes him. He discovers the phrase “I Can Only Imagine” scribbled in his journal and begins crafting the lyrics to what will become a monumental song.

The song catches the attention of Amy Grant and, during her concert, she is so moved by its emotional weight that she invites Bart to perform it live. With Shannon watching, Bart shares his heart through the song, bringing the audience to their feet and envisioning his father cheering him on. The postscript reveals the immense success of the song, which went triple platinum, and that MercyMe became one of the most celebrated Christian bands in history, with 21 hit songs to their name.