The film opens with clips and shots that suggest a terrible and tragic loss has occurred. Shortly after, it is revealed that Pastor Marshall (Cress Williams) has lost his wife, and despite being a pastor for over twenty years, he is still struggling with the difficult question of why.. Despite this, at the funeral, Marshall preaches that we should love our enemies and pray for them, speaking about the importance of fairness in parole and the possibility of redemption. However, this perspective does not resonate well with Marshall’s son (Marcus Gladney Jr.), who retreats to his room after the service.
Five years later, the killer of Marshall’s wife, Troy (Kellan Lutz), is released from prison, and his first stop is a motel room for the night while Marshall and his son come to terms with his release. After all, his sentence was short, thanks to Marshall’s forgiving heart, which helped reduce his time in jail. Meanwhile, Sheriff Maureen (Anne Heche) is called to a crime scene involving a mysterious death: a traveller who died in a truck fire. As she examines the scene, Maureen discovers new clues and continues her investigation. It isn’t long before Troy feels compelled to visit Hope International Baptist Church, where Pastor Marshall is still working. Naturally, tension arises during their conversation when Troy openly reveals that he is seeking work.
What Remains is primarily a drama film that unexpectedly turns into a thriller after the one-hour mark, marking a significant shift in both genre and storyline. The film is directed by Nathan Scoggins, who is also known for his work on The Least of These (2011) and the short films Pop Star (2006) and Knight to D7 (2011).
I found the drama aspects of the film the most compelling. Pastor Marshall is grappling with many issues, particularly the unsettling fact that the man who killed his wife is now free. His generosity and forgiveness create significant conflict with his son, who is critical of Marshall’s choices. The story strongly emphasises forgiveness and second chances, regardless of one’s past.
Most of the film follows a familiar, dramatic path that feels safe and predictable. However, as previously mentioned, the film takes a considerable risk by abruptly shifting its genre and storyline. While this bold decision introduces an unexpected turn, I feel the final twenty to thirty minutes were ineffective. The transition from a heartfelt drama to a gripping thriller leads the characters down a series of poor decisions, and the film culminates in an ambiguous ending or cliffhanger that feels flat and unsatisfying. This might work better in a TV series format, but it was a poor choice for viewers and left a disappointing impression. As for the performance, everything in this department was acceptable.
In terms of music, I found Mateo Messina’s work to be often touching and incredible. However, I must confess that how it was used in this film frequently felt unfitting and did not match the impactful moments. Another disappointing element was the camera work; during dramatic scenes, the camera was often unsteady, distracting from what could have been powerful moments. Interestingly, the film usually feels like two separate stories combined into one. Whenever Sheriff Maureen (Anne Heche) appeared on screen, I was surprised because her appearances were not as frequent as those of other characters, and I often had to remind myself, “Oh yes, she is in this too.”
Overall, What Remains is a touching drama film that explores themes of forgiveness and second chances, regardless of how dark and gritty one’s past may be. However, after the one-hour mark, the film takes an unexpected turn and shifts into a thriller. While this bold choice is commendable, it ultimately feels out of place. The cliffhanger ending also feels unsatisfying and frustrating. The performances are solid, but aspects such as the filming style and the music used in the dramatic scenes could have been more impactful. Apart from the core themes, which resonate well, nothing else in the film leaves a lasting impression. That said, it is certainly not a predictable film. For that reason alone, it’s worth checking out, as viewers’ opinions on the sudden change in tone and story will likely vary.
What Remains (2022) will be available in Australia on DVD & Digital from April 16th!
FILM SCORE: 5.4/10
Published: 14th April 2025
Written by: Peter Walkden
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