Movies/Videos. For Church + Home.

The Shunning

Summary: The Shunning was adapted from the first book in New York Times bestselling author Beverly Lewis’ series called “The Heritage of Lancaster County.” Lewis is the crème de la crème when it comes to capturing the tiniest idiosyncrasies found within the Amish culture and lifestyle.

This film stays true to the author’s adept ability to accurately portray Amish culture while weaving the tale of a young girl who feels a little different within the constraints of the Amish community and begins to question why. These questions cause many to turn their backs on her, hence the title.

The story has twists and turns that will keep viewers wondering what is next and will also leave them hanging at the end—on purpose. The filmmakers want you to see the next film to experience the conclusion of Katie Lapp’s journey through this challenged family relationship and emotionally charged roller coaster.

Katie is played expertly by Danielle Panabaker. Sherry Stringfield of ER fame plays Laura Mayfield-Bennett, Katie’s birth mother, adding a protagonist who is both frightened and needy, yet remains vulnerable and endearing.

I had the opportunity to speak with director Michael Landon Jr., and was curious to know what had drawn him to this project. As a man who has walked out his own faith journey since he was 18, the idea that Katie has to wrestle with her individual ownership of her faith was one element of his decision. Landon’s observation, within the storyline, was that Katie’s parents must soften their grip some. Not enough to drop her, but enough to give her room to bloom.

The message is clear: Let go, and let your children discover and experience their faith for themselves, and trust you have raised them well. As Proverbs 22:6 instructs, “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it” (NLT). 

Landon stayed faithful to that truth in his directing, and I loved the subtle nuances he helped the actors discover, allowing them to develop multi-layered and rich characters as opposed to molded caricatures of what people often perceive as the Amish culture.

I encourage you to enjoy watching this film as a family. And dads, remember, you’re watching it to spend time with your family, not to get your action fix or car-chase adrenaline. A horse drawn carriage does not have tires that squeal or engines that roar.

Use Scenarios: The Shunning would be a key placement in women’s groups, mother/daughter teas, and for teen girls. Themes specifically dealt with include coming of age, first love, owning one’s faith, being true to oneself, community, family, respectful defiance and self-discovery.

Discussion Questions:

1. Share with one other person how you have wrestled with your faith in Christ.
2. What did you learn from this movie about the need for trust within the mother and daughter relationship?
3. What did Katie’s seeming defiance—because of the questions she was feeling needed to be answered—teach you about the need to communicate your feelings and questions, openly and often, with your parents or with your children?
4. Describe how you might have behaved, given the same set of circumstances, as a parent, a child or an outside observer.
5. Discuss with the others in your group what you discovered about the difference between observed, forced religious activities and a personal walk of faith that brings about lifestyle changes and faith commitments.

Watch a Clip:
To see a preview of the film, visit The Hallmark Channel’s website.

Reviewed by: John Cox, NextGen coordinator for Foursquare’s Pacific Coast and Valleys District