Mormon Movie reviews - In Emma's Footsteps (2018)
Welcome brothers and sisters to Mormon Movie Reviews: Where LDS movie lovers belong! I am your humble host, Dives, today is March 6, 2023 , this is episode and we will review
In Emma's Footsteps (2018)
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67CaqsZKKiI&list=PLfpm0XKCRL6zCudKVfBo3kPUNwXAinfp1&index=11
Running time: 1hr 52 minutes
Not Rated
Genre: History/Drama
This review works best if you have seen this film before, though that is not required. Spoiler alert
Synopsis After the martyrdom of Joseph Smith, Jr., his wife Emma Hale Smith was left with much to shoulder: salvaging Joseph's estate, the safety of her family, her own grief, and growing isolation as danger and rumors swirled around her. Through the eyes of one of her sons and Lucy Mack Smith, Emma's struggles reveal a courageous woman who stood as a pillar of strength for her loved ones.
One of the most notable aspects of "In Emma's Footsteps" is its deliberate avoidance of romanticizing or glorifying polygamy. While the practice may have been a part of Mormon history, the film chooses to focus on the individual journeys of its characters rather than sensationalizing controversial aspects of their heritage. Instead, the film emphasizes themes of love, family, and personal agency, highlighting Emma's determination to define her own beliefs and values.
By steering clear of polygamy as a central theme, "In Emma's Footsteps" opens up a broader conversation about Mormon identity and the diverse experiences within the faith community. It challenges stereotypes and offers a nuanced portrayal of individuals grappling with their heritage while striving to carve out their own unique paths in life.
Overall, "In Emma's Footsteps" is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant film that celebrates the power of self-discovery and the importance of embracing one's own truth, without needing to conform to outdated practices or societal expectations.
Some final thoughts Because this is a Brighamite branch focused film, the serious conflicts between Brigham and Emma are downplayed, Emma’s reasons for not wanting to go west are not fully addressed, and Joseph Smith III leadership is minimized. But I really enjoyed seeing this portrayal of Emma’s life after the death of JS in 1844, and I would definitely watch this movie again.
Please consider making a donation by joining our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/MormonNewsRoundup
Email: kolob@mormonnewsroundup.org
Website: https://mormonnewsroundup.org/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonnewsroundup
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormon_news_roundup/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dives.lazarus/
X: https://twitter.com/NewsMormon
New episodes every night at 9:30 PM Eastern.
Please like and subscribe and hit the notifications bell.
Remember remember, no unhallowed hand can stop this podcast from progressing!
Thanks so much for joining me to review this film, please like, subscribe, leave a comment, and join us next time for another episode of the MormonMovieReviews: Where LDS Movie Lovers Belong. So long.