‘Grace Wins:’ Corruption in Plain Sight

This indie film’s portrayal of real-life struggles delivers a strong spiritual message.

Samuel (Curtis Nichouls, L) starts to break through to Brian (Stephen Wesley Green), in “Grace Wins.” GJW+

NR | 1h 45m | Drama | 2024

Audiences are shifting how they allocate their time across visual media. Many are moving toward stories that carry a clearer moral direction through faith-based shows and films.

Movies like “Jesus Revolution” have drawn big crowds, and the hit series “The Chosen” has reshaped how independent projects reach audiences. These successes prove there’s a large, eager audience. Smaller indie projects are riding that momentum, steadily raising their craft as they find their footing.

Samuel (Curtis Nichouls, L) speaks with Brian (Stephen Wesley Green), in “Grace Wins.” GJW+

“Grace Wins” is a prime example of this indie surge. Christian filmmakers, including Illinois-based Intrigue Films and Mississippi’s Linda Sweezer Enterprises pooled their resources to make it happen.

Films like this are worth watching because they rarely pretend life is all sunshine and rainbows. “Grace Wins” puts struggle up front, featuring addiction, broken relationships, and decision fatigue. It also inspires people to rise above, morally and spiritually, even after repeated failures.

A Fall With No Brakes

Brian (Stephen Wesley Green) grinds away in a restaurant kitchen while hiding a genuine gift for writing. When not using drugs, he’s incredibly engaging—then addiction drags him down.

His criminal contact Quinn (Tellis McLin) isn’t bothered by his self-destructive habits impairing his judgment. Brian’s troubles begin when he loses his job, falls behind on rent, and faces fewer options, prompting Quinn to promise a massive payday.

The grandiose plan falls apart when a burglary goes south. The homeowner unexpectedly arrives, forcing Brian and Quinn to flee, but not before Brian accidentally leaves his ID behind.

Quinn celebrates the hustle until he realizes his amateur henchman failed to steal the targeted funds. Brian tries to map out his next move alongside girlfriend Angela (Ann Sweezer Rogers) who restrains him before things escalate.

Meanwhile, unconventional counselor Samuel (Curtis Nichouls) enters Brian’s life, but Brian can’t tell whether he’s there to help or hurt.

Brian (Stephen Wesley Green) enjoys a date with Angela (Ann Sweezer Rogers), in “Grace Wins.” GJW+

Message over Polish

With limited resources, the film crew kept things intimate instead of faking a larger scale, maintaining the film’s focus.

Brian (Stephen Wesley Green, L) with Samuel (Curtis Nichouls), who is handing out food, in “Grace Wins.” GJW+

For a relatively unknown cast, the performances are strong. Green stands out, spending much of the early scenes struggling mentally, spiritually, and eventually, physically, through severe withdrawals. That repetition could have worn thin, yet Green keeps it fresh by subtly shifting how Brian reacts to each situation, especially as he recognizes the damage he’s causing himself.

Nichouls is memorable as Samuel. His patient demeanor offsets the havoc Brian creates.

Viewers might wonder if the story works without a faith background. With “Grace Wins,” you don’t need specific beliefs to connect with the message. The film shows someone trying to correct the damage he’s caused while those around him refuse to give up. Many will relate to that struggle or know someone who has faced it. For those who share the film’s faith, it’s more meaningful, but for everyone else, it’s still a clear story about choosing a better path when life gets tough.

“Grace Wins” is available on GanJingWorld.

‘Grace Wins’ Director: Johnny Meier Starring: Stephen Wesley Green, Curtis Nichouls, Ann Sweezer Rogers Not Rated Running time: 1 hour, 45 minutes Release Date: 2024 Rated: 4 stars out of 5

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