There’s something profoundly symbolic about the start of a new year. It’s a moment when we pause, take stock of the past, and dare to believe in the promise of a brighter future. For me, this season of rebirth mirrors the journey of Wretch Like Me - a story born from my own struggles with loss, faith, and the hope of a new beginning.
When my father passed away last January, it felt like the world stopped. Grief has a way of wrapping you in its shadow, making every day a battle to move forward. Yet, in the midst of that pain, I found clarity. My father’s passing became the cornerstone of Wretch Like Me, shaping its story of redemption and renewal. His life and faith taught me to see light in the darkest places and to never stop reaching for hope.
At its heart, Wretch Like Me is about finding the strength to begin again. Hank, the protagonist, is a man haunted by his past, wrestling with guilt and mistakes. But his unwavering love for his daughter, Becca, propels him to confront his fears, battle unimaginable darkness, and fight for a second chance. Hank’s story is a reflection of the universal human experience: the desire to rise from the ashes and embrace the light of a new day.
This theme isn’t unique to Wretch Like Me. Many powerful films have explored the intersection of darkness and redemption. The Descent tells the story of a woman battling not only the terrors of an uncharted cave system but also her own grief and guilt, ultimately transforming her fear into a will to survive.
Similarly, The Others explores the haunting of a family home as a metaphor for grief and denial, peeling back layers of pain to reveal a deeply moving resolution.
And in A Monster Calls, a young boy confronts his mother’s terminal illness through an allegorical monster, finding courage and healing through storytelling.
These films remind us, as does the Bible, that we are never alone in our struggles:
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” — Lamentations 3:22-23
This verse resonates deeply with the themes of Wretch Like Me. Each day is an opportunity for mercy, redemption, and rebirth. The turning of a new year serves as a powerful reminder of this truth. Just as Hank learns to face his inner demons and embrace the light, so too can we step forward, leaving the shadows of the past behind.
The process of creating Wretch Like Me has been one of healing for me. Storytelling has always been a way to wrestle with life’s complexities, and this project has allowed me to channel my grief into something meaningful. My father introduced me to films that embraced both darkness and hope, and this film is my way of honoring that legacy. Like the protagonists of The Descent or A Monster Calls, we are called to confront the darkness, not to be consumed by it, but to find the light within.
As we step into this new year, I’m reminded of the resilience we all carry. No matter how heavy our burdens, there is always the possibility of renewal. Wretch Like Me is a story that doesn’t just scare—it uplifts, reminding us of the power of hope and the beauty of starting again.
I invite you to join me in embracing the light this year. Let’s celebrate the hope that Wretch Like Me embodies, and let’s step boldly into this new season, knowing that each day brings the promise of a fresh start.
Here’s to rebirth, second chances, and stories that remind us of the light waiting on the other side of the darkness.
Find out more about how you can be involved in the film Wretch Like Me!
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