Alone Yet Not Alone – Movie Review

Alone Yet Not Alone is a riveting historical drama based on a true story by Tracy Leininger Craven. It captures the violence that early settlers endured during the French and Indian War when the two daughters of a German-American family are taken captive during a tribal attack.

The oldest daughter Barbara (Natalie Racoosin and Kelly Greyson) maintains her faith throughout the difficult years by holding on to the words of the family’s favorite hymn, “Alone Yet Not Alone”.

Kelly Greyson as Barbara in Alone Yet Not Alone; Photo Courtesy of Enthuse Entertainment

Review –

I came in with high expectations for this movie and it managed to exceed my expectations. I was already familiar with the story since I’d read the book.

George Escobar and James Richards did a fantastic job of bringing the book to life on the big screen. There were a few minor changes from the book, but overall, they maintained the spirit of the story perfectly.

I absolutely loved the cinematography. In addition to the breathtaking settings, I was impressed with the camera and choreography techniques such as the camera booms that revealed multiple vignettes all lined up on a hillside and the handheld jerky camera during times of turmoil and confusion.

Behind the scenes shot of Kelly Greyson on the set of Alone Yet Not Alone ; Photo Courtesy of Enthuse Entertainment

The acting throughout the movie was top notch. The female leads (Joanie Stewart, Kelly Greyson, Jenn Gotzon, and Natalie Racoosin) were particularly strong.

If I didn’t know better, I would assume that Joanie always spoke with a German accent. And Jenn’s portrayal of Lydia being burned on the stake gave me chills. Her approach was so unexpected and yet so right.

The only negative with the acting was that I didn’t feel the male roles were quite as fleshed out as the female roles. We were told that Galasko was the gentler brother and Hannawoa the evil one.

One of the leading ladies, Jenn Gotzon with the children in the cast of Alone Yet Not Alone; Photo Courtesy of Enthuse Entertainment

With the exception of the proposal scene and the cross country chase, we didn’t get to see the contrast as vividly as I would have liked. I would highly recommend this movie for anyone middle school or older. It would be a great resource for homeschoolers of other history lovers as it brings the French and Indian War to life.

It’s also one of those rare movies that can be appreciated equally by men and women with its mix of intense action and tender moments.

The cast and crew of Alone Yet Not Alone; Photo Courtesy of Enthuse Entertainment

Christian Worldview –

Alone Yet Not Alone is a story of faith that can see us through difficult times. This is not one of those movies that has a sermon every few moments.

Instead, the faith of the family and the other settlers is just a part of their life that is interwoven with the other aspects. I can see how non-Christians could watch the movie and not even realize it’s a faith-based movie.

I think the two most powerful faith-based scenes that can truly impact us if we let them are the family gathering right before the attack and when Lydia is burned on the stake. Both of these provide a truly inspiring approach to how we should live our Christian faith.

Behind the Scenes look from the film Alone Yet Not Alone;Photo Courtesy of Enthuse Entertainment

Biblical Discussion –

We often wonder why God allows good people to go through bad situations.

Deuteronomy 31: 6 says, “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

Barbara and the other settlers had to have felt at times that God had forsaken them, but they never lost sight of their faith. Lydia certainly had to have felt forsaken.

Crew setting up a scene for the film Alone Yet Not Alone; Photo Courtesy of Enthuse Entertainment

Yet to the end, she worshipped God and showed godly compassion for her tormenters. What about us? When we find ourselves in confusing, difficult times, do we blame God or do we trust that He will see us through?

In 2 Corinthians 6: 14 we’re told, “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?”

Barbara had to make a choice. She could have given up her Christian upbringing and settled for marrying Galasko, but instead she remained true and rejected him even though it meant risking her life.

Are we willing to remain true to our faith even when it involves a risk?

Click here to watch the official movie trailer for Alone Yet Not Alone

To learn more about Alone Yet Not Alone, Visit ChristianFilmDatabase

For more on Sharon Wilharm, visit her Faith Flix blog.