"To Joey, With Love" Movie Review + Giveaway

Just over a year ago, I somehow found Rory Feek's blog, This Life I Live. As someone who knows virtually nothing about country music (unless the artist is named Keith, Carrie, or Reba), I had no idea that Rory was part of the country duo Joey+Rory. But his storytelling grabbed me, and I began following his posts—which, at the time, largely centered on his wife Joey's battle with cancer. Joey passed away earlier this year, and To Joey, With Love tells the story of the last two years of her life.

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Husband-and-wife singing duo Joey+Rory wanted more to life … so they chose less. In preparation for the birth of their child, the couple simplified their lives by putting their music career aside and staying at home, planting roots deep in the soil of their small farm, and the community they loved.

They believed God would give them a great story … and He did.

Experience the incredible true story of Joey and Rory Feek in the poignant new film TO JOEY, WITH LOVE. Intimately filmed by the couple over two and a half years, the movie documents the stirring journey of the 2010 Academy of Country Music Top New Vocal Duo.

TO JOEY, WITH LOVE takes moviegoers from the birth of their daughter Indiana, born with Down Syndrome, through Joey’s struggle with and ultimate surrender to cancer—all amidst their never-ending hope in something far greater. God gave Joey+Rory a love story for the ages, one that is sure to inspire hope and faith in all who experience it. 

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Well, grab the tissues, 'cause you'll need them for this film!

I was afraid that To Joey, With Love would be one big sob fest. While I did do more than my fair share of crying as I watched, I spent most of the film feeling like I was hearing a story from a dear friend. Narrated by Rory, To Joey, With Love feels very intimate, as if Rory were sitting right with the viewer, relating the story.

The film begins in the days before Joey gives birth to Indiana, and then it continues through Joey's initial cervical cancer diagnosis, her recovery, and finally the cancer's return and her eventual death. I enjoyed learning more about Joey and Rory—both as people and as a musical duo. Joey's love for their daughter Indiana shines through the whole film, and I was surprised to learn that Joey hadn't wanted to have children through much of their marriage, as she seemed like such a natural with Indiana. Rory points out that Joey chose to trust God with her future—when it came to having a baby and when it came to fighting cancer, Joey put her faith in God and trusted that He knew best.

Much of the film is about the Feeks' day-to-day life as they raise their daughter, plant and harvest their garden, and return to their music career. And then cancer strikes. Cancer could have made them to decide to quit filming. Cancer could have stolen their joy. But it didn't. Don't get me wrong—they mourned. They questioned. But ultimately, they chose to trust in God's plan.

Had this film been made by and about people who are not believers in Jesus Christ, it would have looked a lot different. Joey and Rory's faith, hope, and trust in God makes the story sad but not depressing. Joey may be gone from this earth, but her life—and her death—will continue to impact people. And I'm excited to see how God will use Rory and Indiana for His glory. 5 stars.

Guess what? I have a copy of this DVD to give away to one of my readers! The winner should receive the DVD before Christmas, though I can't make any guarantees. Contest is open in the US only. Winner will be selected at random using Rafflecopter.com and will have 48 hours to respond to email notification, or another winner will be chosen. Enter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Watch the film trailer.
Visit Rory's blog.
Go to the film's website.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided with a free screener of this film through Icon Media Group. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.