WHEN LOVE IS NOT ENOUGH

You should watch this if you are prepared for an emotional story about the limits of human love and the necessity of God’s grace. The film presents Lois Wilson as a long-suffering, dedicated, faithful wife and makes clear that people cannot deliver themselves from alcoholism.

The story is not easy viewing. It includes severe alcoholism, smoking, grief, marital strain, and the pain of realizing that love alone cannot save someone. Yet the film is captivating, deeply moral, and centered on God, prayer, and the Bible. It may especially encourage people facing addiction or other serious problems.

For older children and adults, this is a strong choice for a thoughtful family viewing.

In 1917, Lois comes from a well-to-do New York family and meets the down-home Bill Wilson while vacationing in Vermont. They marry before Bill leaves for war, but after he returns, his growing alcoholism places their marriage and future under increasing strain.

As Bill’s drinking worsens and the family suffers through financial hardship, Lois must decide what faithfulness, patience, and prayer can—and cannot—accomplish.

Four stars means this is an exceptionally well-made TV movie. Winona Ryder does a wonderful job as Lois Wilson, and the acting, direction, and art design are superb.

The filmmakers also capture the feel and nature of the society depicted, including a timeframe that overlaps the reviewer’s youth. The result is a very emotional and captivating drama that made the reviewer weep for joy. The film’s only noted weakness is that it never talks about Jesus, even though it quotes the New Testament and makes the Bible central.

The film presents a strongly theocentric Christian and moral worldview. It emphasizes that only God can deliver someone from alcoholism, with many mentions of God, prayer, and biblical references. The Bible is central, and the film includes shots of a cross and a Bible.

It also portrays the painful limits of self-reliance. Bill must confess his alcoholism, and his recovery leads to the development of the 12-Step AA program. Lois must face her own resentment and anger when she cannot save her husband through love alone. The film shows that God is the most important ingredient in anyone’s life.

The significant omission is that the film never mentions Jesus. Still, its emphasis on God, grace, prayer, and biblical truth gives it a clear Christian moral center. Scripture says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

This is a deeply emotional, beautifully acted drama about a faithful wife, a suffering marriage, and the grace only God can give. It is not easy watching, but it is captivating and spiritually serious. For older children and adults, WORTH WATCHING.