JONI
When God says no, faith can still find a calling.
Should You Watch It?
JONI is an inspiring, faith-filled drama about suffering, prayer and purpose. Its acting is excellent, and Joni Eareckson Tada’s performance emotionally engages the viewer. The film offers an uplifting portrait of making the most of life, no matter the outcome.
The story also asks you to sit with hard things. Joni’s treatment is intense, and her struggle with depression and bitterness toward God is painful to watch. The movie includes unmarried romantic entanglements as well.
If your family can handle those concerns, JONI is a worthwhile choice, especially for anyone with a friend or family member dealing with disability or disease.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESJoni is a popular seventeen-year-old with a boyfriend and a loving family. While swimming, she dives into the water and suffers a devastating injury.
After immediate surgery, Joni learns that she will not be able to use her legs. Later, she discovers that her hands also will not function. As she faces depression, rehabilitation and an uncertain future, Joni must decide whether to remain trapped in despair or move forward and trust God.
Is It Any Good?
Four stars means this is one of the best-produced Christian movies in the source review’s judgment. The acting is excellent, including Joni Eareckson Tada’s performance, and the storyline is good. The film is well made and emotionally engaging.
The cinematography sometimes leaves something to be desired. Even so, JONI presents a real and uplifting portrait of dealing with suffering and pain. It remains a strong example of a well-produced, faith-based movie.
The Worldview
JONI has a strong Christian, biblical worldview. It portrays God, Jesus, angels and the Gospel message, along with prayer, church, Bible reading, Scripture and faith. It also emphasizes compassion, faith, forgiveness, love and peace.
The film does not pretend that every prayer for healing receives the answer hoped for. Instead, it follows Joni as she wrestles with bitterness and learns that, even without knowing why God allowed her paralysis, she can still find purpose through knowing Jesus Christ and ministering to others. Its view of suffering is redemptive: pain does not have the final word, and a life changed by disability can still bear meaningful fruit.
Scripture says, “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). JONI’s central longing is to discover that God remains near even when healing does not come.
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Content Summary
Very strong Christian, biblical, redemptive worldview includes references to God, Jesus, angels, and the Gospel message, positive depictions of prayer, church, reading the Bible, quotations from Scripture, and faith, with a strong depiction of moral values including compassion, faith, forgiveness, love, and peace; one light obscenity and no profanities; light violence includes a diving accident, girl shown in surgery several times, girl asks friend to help her commit suicide; no salacious sexual content, but several kisses shared between unmarried couples; light nudity with beach and pool scenes including women in bikinis and shirtless men, a man works shirtless in a barn; light drinking with men drinking beer on the beach; some smoking, one drug reference; bitterness, racism and revenge.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
Joni faces suffering she cannot understand. How can prayer and Scripture help someone who feels abandoned by God?
Psalm 34:18 · Romans 8:38–39Joni must choose whether to remain in depression or move forward in faith. What does Christian hope look like when circumstances do not change?
Romans 5:3–5 · 2 Corinthians 4:16–18The film connects purpose with knowing Jesus Christ and ministering to others. How might God use our gifts to serve people around us?
1 Peter 4:10 · Ephesians 2:10Joni’s story includes compassion, forgiveness and peace. Which of these virtues is most difficult to practice when you are hurting?
Colossians 3:12–13 · Romans 12:18The Final Word
JONI is a moving, well-acted Christian drama about discovering purpose when healing does not come. Its medical treatment and mature themes call for parental discernment, but older children and adults can find real encouragement here. WORTH THE TRIP — MIDDLE SCHOOL AND UP.
