Watch Purpose

Purpose is a 2015 drama film that tackles the themes of faith, forgiveness, and redemption. It revolves around the life of Derrick (Antonio Jefferson), a young African-American man who has just been released from prison after serving eight years for a crime he did not commit. Upon his release, Derrick is determined to turn his life around and make amends for his past mistakes.

The film begins with Derrick arriving at a halfway house where he meets Sean (Donald Imm), a no-nonsense counselor who oversees his progress. Sean is skeptical about Derrick's intentions and warns him that he will not tolerate any misbehavior. However, as he gets to know Derrick better, Sean realizes that he is a decent man who is genuinely trying to make a fresh start.

Derrick's journey towards rehabilitation is not an easy one. He has to navigate the challenges of finding a job, mending his relationship with his estranged father, and dealing with the lingering trauma of his time in prison. In addition, he has to face the people who wronged him in the past and forgive them in order to find peace.

One of the key themes of the film is forgiveness. Derrick's wrongful imprisonment was caused by the false testimony of his former best friend, Michael (Archie D. Williams). Michael is now a successful businessman, but he is haunted by guilt over what he did to Derrick. Throughout the film, Derrick and Michael meet several times, and it becomes clear that Michael is genuinely remorseful for what he did. However, Derrick is understandably hesitant to forgive him, and it takes a lot of soul-searching before he is able to let go of his anger and resentment.

Another theme of the film is faith. Derrick is portrayed as a deeply religious man who finds comfort in his relationship with God. He attends church regularly and seeks guidance from his pastor. His faith gives him the strength to overcome the challenges he faces and the courage to forgive those who have wronged him.

The performances in Purpose are strong across the board. Antonio Jefferson delivers a nuanced portrayal of Derrick, capturing both his vulnerability and his determination. Donald Imm brings depth and complexity to the role of Sean, who is a strict but ultimately caring counselor. Archie D. Williams is also excellent as Michael, conveying the character's inner turmoil and regret.

The film is directed by Antonio James, who also co-wrote the screenplay with actor Antonio Jefferson. The pacing of the film is deliberate, allowing the viewer to fully immerse themselves in Derrick's story. The cinematography is crisp and polished, with several scenes shot in a way that highlights the beauty of Detroit, where the film is set.

Overall, Purpose is a moving and thought-provoking film that explores important themes through a compelling story and strong performances. It is a testament to the power of forgiveness, redemption, and faith, and is sure to resonate with audiences who have experienced similar struggles.