I Still Believe

I Still Believe 2020

Directed by

Andrew Erwin

Andrew Erwin

Made by

Lionsgate

Lionsgate

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Plot Summary


In the charming town of Lafayette, Indiana, during September 1999, Jeremy Camp embarks on an exciting new adventure as he heads to Calvary Chapel College in Murrieta, California. On his very first night there, he eagerly attends a concert by the Canadian Christian band, the Kry. It is at this performance that he crosses paths with their lead singer, Jean-Luc LaJoie, who becomes a crucial mentor to Jeremy. This serendipitous meeting leads Jeremy to encounter Melissa Henning, a fellow student and Jean-Luc’s friend, who, despite her connection to Jean-Luc, finds herself drawn to Jeremy during their shared experiences.

As the bond between Jeremy and Melissa deepens, their growing relationship creates friction among the trio, ultimately resulting in Melissa deciding to part ways with Jeremy. Heartbroken and seeking solace, Jeremy retreats back to his family’s home in Indiana for Christmas. However, he soon receives a troubling phone call from Jean-Luc, who informs him that Melissa is seriously ill and urges him to come back to California.

Upon his swift return, Jeremy visits Melissa in the hospital and is devastated to learn that she has been diagnosed with Stage 3C ovarian cancer that has metastasized to her liver. In a moving moment, Melissa reveals her love for Jeremy, and in turn, he proposes to her, winning her heart against the backdrop of their difficult reality.

As their relationship flourishes, Jeremy’s ambition to pursue music intensifies, paving his way as a Christian singer-songwriter. During this transformative time, Melissa undergoes an MRI, only to face the harsh news that her cancer has spread to her ovaries, which would require a hysterectomy. Remarkably, upon awakening from the procedure that was canceled at the last moment, she learns that the cancer has inexplicably vanished.

Six months later, Jeremy and Melissa joyfully exchange their wedding vows, cherishing their newfound happiness. Yet this joy is soon clouded by the grim reality of Melissa’s health, as they receive the heart-wrenching news that the cancer has returned and no further treatment options exist.

As Melissa’s condition worsens, Jeremy struggles with the profound implications of his faith in God. In a heartfelt moment during their honeymoon, he performs a song he wrote titled > “Walk by Faith,” which becomes a powerful anthem reflecting his grief. Tragically, Melissa passes away soon after.

Overwhelmed by despair, Jeremy makes the painful decision to step away from his music, expressing his rage by shattering his guitar. In a moment of clarity while grappling with his sorrow, he uncovers a note left by Melissa within the guitar—an eloquent reminder that suffering can fortify one’s faith rather than diminish it. Her final words encourage him to continue writing songs, serving as both a tribute to their love and a demonstration of resilience through adversity.

As time elapses and reflection deepens, Jeremy re-emerges on stage, his heart wide open with a stirring ballad titled “I Still Believe.” This performance ultimately chronicles his challenging journey through grief and leads him toward redemption, with the haunting tune echoing the transformative capacity of art amid profound loss.

After this emotional song, Jeremy connects with Adrienne, a kindred spirit whose own struggles have left her grappling with anger towards life. She expresses how Jeremy’s music has become a source of inspiration, reigniting her faith and purpose.

Touched by their shared experiences, Jeremy dedicates himself to sharing Melissa’s story with the world, believing it can inspire positive change in others. As the story reaches its conclusion, viewers see that Jeremy and Adrienne have built a beautiful life together, enriched by love, family, and a deepened faith. The closing scenes show them embracing three lovely children, a striking testament to the enduring capacity of hope and the indomitable human spirit.

Timeline


Jeremy's New Beginning

In September 1999, Jeremy Camp leaves his hometown of Lafayette, Indiana, to pursue his dreams at Calvary Chapel College in Murrieta, California. This marks the start of an exciting new chapter in his life, filled with opportunities for growth and music.

September 1999 Calvary Chapel College, Murrieta, California

The Concert Encounter

On his first night at college, Jeremy attends a concert performed by the Canadian band, the Kry. It is during this event that he meets their lead singer, Jean-Luc LaJoie, who becomes a pivotal mentor in Jeremy's musical journey.

Concert Venue, Murrieta, California

Meeting Melissa

Through Jean-Luc, Jeremy meets Melissa Henning, a fellow student and close friend of Jean-Luc. Despite her connection with Jean-Luc, Melissa finds herself increasingly drawn to Jeremy, sparking the beginning of a deep bond between them.

Heartbreak

As Jeremy and Melissa's relationship deepens, it leads to internal conflict among the trio, culminating in Melissa choosing to end her romantic relationship with Jeremy. Heartbroken, Jeremy returns to his family home in Indiana to regroup during the Christmas break.

Christmas 1999 Jeremy's Family Home, Indiana

A Troubling Revelation

Jeremy receives a distressed call from Jean-Luc alerting him that Melissa is critically ill. He learns that Melissa's health has deteriorated severely, prompting him to immediately return to California to support her.

Hospital, California

Devastating Diagnosis

Upon his arrival, Jeremy visits Melissa in the hospital and is devastated to hear that she has been diagnosed with Stage 3C ovarian cancer. In a heartfelt moment, Melissa confesses her love for Jeremy, leading him to propose to her during this time of crisis.

Hospital Room, California

A Moment of Hope

As their relationship flourishes, Jeremy is inspired to pursue a music career while Melissa undergoes medical treatments. After an MRI reveals troubling news about her cancer, Melissa miraculously learns that the cancer has vanished right before her scheduled operation.

Hospital, California

Vows of Love

Jeremy and Melissa's love culminates in a joyful wedding ceremony. As they exchange vows, their hearts are filled with happiness, but they are still haunted by the uncertainties surrounding Melissa's health.

Wedding Venue, California

The Return of Cancer

Shortly after their marriage, Jeremy and Melissa receive the crushing news that her cancer has returned, with no further treatment options available. This moment brings renewed fears and challenges to their once blissful life together.

Struggles of Faith

As Melissa's health declines, Jeremy battles with his faith and deep emotional turmoil. During their honeymoon, he performs 'Walk by Faith,' a song that reflects on his journey of grief, capturing both his anguish and hope.

Honeymoon Destination

Tragic Loss

In a devastating turn of events, Melissa passes away, leaving Jeremy in utter despair. He grapples with his sorrow, leading him to express his pain by shattering his guitar, a poignant symbol of his lost dreams.

A Lasting Message

While dealing with his grief, Jeremy finds a note left by Melissa inside his guitar. Her words serve as a reminder that faith can be strengthened through suffering, igniting a resolve in him to continue writing and performing.

Rebirth Through Music

Jeremy returns to the stage, pouring his heart into a song titled 'I Still Believe.' This powerful performance encapsulates his emotional journey and serves as a testament to the healing power of music during his darkest times.

Concert Stage

New Connections

Post-performance, Jeremy meets Adrienne, who relates to his struggles and finds hope in his music. Their connection blossoms from shared experiences of sorrow and healing, providing both with renewed purpose.

A Beautiful Life

As time passes, Jeremy and Adrienne build a fulfilling life together, enriched by love and family. Their journey underscores the indomitable spirit of hope, reflected in the three beautiful children they raise together.

Characters


Jeremy Camp (K.J. Apa)

Jeremy Camp is a passionate and determined young man whose love for music intertwines with his journey of love and loss. His character demonstrates resilience as he navigates the emotional highs and lows of his relationship with Melissa. Jeremy’s faith and dedication to his craft shape him into a compelling figure of hope and inspiration.

🎸 Musician ❤️ Romantic 🙏 Faithful

Melissa Henning (Brittany Robertson)

Melissa Henning is a spirited and strong-willed individual who captures Jeremy's heart. Her character embodies courage as she confronts her illness while nurturing her relationship with Jeremy. Melissa leaves a lasting impact on Jeremy’s life, serving as a symbol of love and hope throughout the trials they face.

💕 Love ✨ Brave

Jean-Luc LaJoie (Nathan Parsons)

Jean-Luc LaJoie serves as a mentor figure to Jeremy, guiding him through his challenges in both music and life. His supportive nature and connection to Melissa create a complex triangle that influences the relationships portrayed in the film. Jean-Luc's character is pivotal in highlighting the importance of friendship and mentorship.

🤝 Mentor 🎤 Musician

Adrienne (Abigail Cowen)

Adrienne emerges as a kindred spirit in Jeremy's life, reflecting themes of healing and renewal. Her struggles with anger towards life resonate with Jeremy, fostering a deep connection. Adrienne's character symbolizes the potential for new beginnings through shared pain and understanding.

🌱 Healing 💞 Kindred Spirit

Setting


Time period

September 1999

September 1999 marks a time of hope and change, reflecting the cultural backdrop of the late 90s. It was a period characterized by a surge in Christian contemporary music, which greatly influenced Jeremy's life and aspirations. This era also saw personal struggles in many families, as depicted in the film's exploration of faith and resilience.

Location

Lafayette, Indiana, Murrieta, California

The film takes place in Lafayette, Indiana, a charming town known for its tight-knit community and scenic surroundings. It also features Murrieta, California, home to Calvary Chapel College, known for its vibrant campus life and spiritual atmosphere. Both locations serve as pivotal backdrops for Jeremy's transformative journey.

🌆 Town 📍 College

Themes


💔

Love and Loss

The theme of love and loss is central to the narrative, showcasing Jeremy's deep affection for Melissa and the heart-wrenching challenges they face. It portrays how love can triumph even in the direst circumstances, while also highlighting the devastating impact of illness. Their journey illustrates the strength that love provides during times of despair.

Faith and Resilience

The film profoundly explores faith and resilience as Jeremy grapples with the reality of Melissa's illness and his own beliefs. It emphasizes the idea that suffering can deepen one's spiritual understanding and strengthen resolve. Ultimately, Jeremy's journey reflects how faith can inspire individuals to rise from the ashes of despair.

🎶

Music as Healing

Music serves as a vital theme in the movie, acting as both a refuge and a means of expression for Jeremy. His songwriting becomes a way to cope with loss and to honor Melissa's memory. The film illustrates how music can heal emotional wounds and provide hope amidst life's challenges.

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