A Great Awakening
Historical drama about preacher George Whitefield and Benjamin Franklin's unlikely friendship
The brief
This historical drama feels more like a civics lesson than a movie, with heavy-handed dialogue about freedom and faith that rarely lets the characters breathe as real people. The friendship between preacher George Whitefield and Benjamin Franklin has potential, but director Joshua Enck treats their relationship like a series of philosophical debates rather than exploring the actual human connection. At over two hours, the pacing drags through sermon after sermon, and the cast struggles to make the period dialogue feel natural rather than recited. Perfect for viewers who loved God's Not Dead or other faith-based historical films that prioritize message over storytelling craft.
The verdict
If you're a fan of faith-based historical dramas and don't mind heavy-handed messaging about religious freedom, this earnest portrayal of the Great Awakening will resonate with your values. If you prefer character-driven storytelling over philosophical sermonizing, the sluggish pacing and stiff dialogue will make this 129-minute civics lesson feel much longer.
Watch with
- 👥 Faith-based film groups or history enthusiasts
- ⚠️ Those seeking fast-paced entertainment
Heads up
- Heavy religious themes throughout (frequent)
- Potentially divisive political messaging (moderate)
Credits
- Director
- Joshua Enck
- Cast
- John Paul Sneed, Jonathan Blair, Josh Bates, Joe Dignoti, Stephen Foster Harris, Zac Johnson, Matt Meyer
Official synopsis
A GREAT AWAKENING tells the true story of an unlikely friendship between the Reverend George Whitefield and
The Double
Make a night of it
Pair this with Colony (2026)
Both explore American colonial foundations and the forces that shaped early society.
Total runtime: 2h 9m + 2h 3m = 4h 12m
