90 MINUTES IN HEAVEN
An inspiring faith drama about prayer, pain, and finding purpose.
Should You Watch It?
Yes. 90 MINUTES IN HEAVEN is one of the best-written and directed faith-based dramas in recent years. It is an intimate story of survival and faith rather than a sweeping portrait of Heaven, and its strongest themes are deeply encouraging: accepting love from others, fighting for your spouse, trusting God through pain, and believing that prayer is answered.
The movie does ask you to watch a man endure severe injuries and painful medical treatment. Those scenes are not graphic, but the injuries are gruesome and can be difficult to see or hear about. The hospital material also moves slowly at times, though the tension between Don and Eva eventually becomes compelling and leads to a satisfying conclusion.
If your family includes older children and adults, 90 MINUTES IN HEAVEN is worth the trip; use discernment with younger children.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESIn 1989, Don, a mild-mannered pastor, is considering planting a new church while caring for his wife, Eva, and their three children.
Then a horrific car accident leaves Don pronounced dead at the scene. A nearby pastor feels called by God to pray for the man beneath the tarp covering the wreckage. Don survives, but his injuries are severe, and his brief glimpse of Heaven cannot prepare him for the painful road ahead.
Is It Any Good?
Four stars means this is a highly accomplished and deeply moving drama. The writing and direction are strong, and the appropriate cinematography and sets support the film’s intimate story of survival and faith.
The hospital scenes immediately after the accident feel somewhat sluggish, and some of Eva’s reactions seem oddly mellow. Still, the growing tension between Eva and Don is compelling, and it leads to a well-drawn-out, satisfying conclusion. The film’s brief glimpses of Heaven are imaginative without being sensationalized.
The Worldview
90 MINUTES IN HEAVEN presents a strongly Christian, biblical worldview. Marriage and family are portrayed positively, faith is vital to the story, Heaven is shown to be real, and prayer is answered through miracles. Jesus is said and shown to be God and Savior, and the film is not pluralistic or universalist. It concludes with a powerful sermon.
The film’s focus is not primarily a detailed picture of Heaven. Don’s experience remains ambiguous and less central than expected, emphasizing reunion with lost loved ones more than the presence of God. For believers, however, being made whole and perfect in the presence of a loving God is the true joy of Heaven.
At the heart of the story is a pastor learning to submit to God’s will and let others serve him. It also honors fighting for your spouse, even when that spouse seems distant. The film’s hope rests in the simple conviction that God answers prayer and that Heaven is our ultimate home: “In my Father's house are many rooms” (John 14:2).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Content Summary
Very strong Christian, biblical worldview, with positive portrayals of marriage and family, faith being a vital and central role to the story, Heaven is shown to be real, prayer is answered and miracles still happen, the movie is not pluralistic, as Jesus is extolled as God and Savior, and the movie ends with a powerful sermon; no foul language; a violent car accident, but nothing graphic show, gruesome injuries are discussed and a man is bruised, bloodied and scarred, his recovery process is excruciating and involves a painful bone growth device; no sexual content, kissing between married couple; no nudity; no alcohol; no smoking drug use; and, nothing else objectionable.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
Don struggles to accept help from others. Why can receiving care require humility, and how does Scripture describe serving one another?
Galatians 6:2 · 1 Peter 4:10Don and Eva’s marriage is tested by pain and distance. What does it mean to fight for your spouse in a difficult season?
Ephesians 5:25 · 1 Corinthians 13:4–7The film emphasizes prayer and miracles. How can you keep praying faithfully when God’s answer does not come immediately?
Luke 18:1 · Philippians 4:6–7Don’s glimpse of Heaven centers partly on reunion with loved ones. What does Scripture teach about the hope of being with God forever?
John 14:2–3 · Revelation 21:3–4The Final Word
90 MINUTES IN HEAVEN is a well-written, well-directed drama about faith, marriage, prayer, and finding purpose through pain. Its injuries may be difficult for younger children, but older children and adults can find much to encourage them. Our answer is WORTH THE TRIP.
