Watch Miracle in the Woods

Miracle in the Woods is a heartwarming family movie from 1997, directed by Arthur Allan Seidelman and starring Meredith Baxter, Della Reese, and Patricia Heaton. The movie revolves around the story of Maggie Andrews (Meredith Baxter), who struggles to reconnect with her estranged mother-in-law, Lillian (Della Reese), after the death of her husband, Jack.

Maggie is a widow and a single mom trying to make ends meet, and she finds herself struggling to keep up with the demands of her job and raising her daughter, Jenna (Kaci Starr Hutto). Things take a turn for the worse when she loses her job and is forced to move in with Lillian, who is dealing with her own share of problems, including a failing memory and a strained relationship with her daughter, Jean (Patricia Heaton).

As they spend time together, Maggie and Lillian start to build a relationship based on love, respect, and understanding. They share their memories, their fears, and their dreams with each other, and slowly but surely, they begin to heal the wounds of the past. With the help of her mother-in-law, Maggie learns to let go of her grief and embrace life again, while Lillian finds solace in her newfound role as a caregiver and mentor.

The movie is a touching tribute to the power of family, forgiveness, and faith. Despite the difficult circumstances, both women learn to appreciate each other and to find strength in their shared struggles. The movie also touches on themes of aging, loneliness, and the impact of loss on our lives.

Meredith Baxter delivers a strong performance as Maggie, portraying a character who is both vulnerable and resilient. Her chemistry with Della Reese's Lillian is palpable, and the two actresses share some truly heartfelt moments. Della Reese, in turn, shines as the wise and kind-hearted matriarch, whose warmth and humor belie her physical and mental challenges.

Patricia Heaton, who would later become famous for her role in Everybody Loves Raymond, plays Lillian's daughter Jean, who is initially cold and distant towards Maggie but eventually comes to understand and appreciate her. Heaton brings depth and nuance to her character, who is struggling to come to terms with her own past.

The movie's cinematography is also worth noting, as it captures the beauty of the wilderness and the changing seasons, creating a serene and peaceful backdrop for the story. The music, too, is well-selected, with a mix of traditional hymns and contemporary songs adding to the emotional resonance of the film.

Overall, Miracle in the Woods is a touching and uplifting movie that celebrates the power of love, family, and redemption. It is a story that will resonate with anyone who has ever experienced loss or felt alone, and it offers hope and comfort to those who may be struggling with their own challenges. Whether you are a fan of family dramas, heartfelt stories, or simply good cinema, Miracle in the Woods is definitely worth watching.

Miracle in the Woods is a 1997 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.