Netflix viewers left overwhelmed after watching ‘traumatic’ new true story movie

A Netflix film has left viewers feeling all the feels.

The true story movie recently dropped on the platform, and, although it was originally released in 2018, it's safe to say it's caused quite a stir.

I Can Only Imagine tells the story of the song created by Christian rock collective MercyMe.

But more generally, it explores the troubled life of the band's frontman, Bart Millard, played by J. Michael Finley.

Bart had a notoriously troubled relationship with his father, Arthur, played by Dennis Quaid.

I Can Only Imagine boasts an impressive 7.3 out of 10 on IMDb, where its description reads: "The inspiring and unknown true story behind MercyMe's beloved, chart topping song that brings ultimate hope to so many is a gripping reminder of the power of true forgiveness."

Viewers on social media have been going wild over the heartfelt and emotional film, encouraging others to tune in ASAP.

One person wrote: "'I Can Only Imagine' on Netflix 10/10 I cried."

Another agreed: "I Can Only Imagine' on Netflix, please go RUN and watch it! fr. 20/10."

Lionsgate

A third posted on X, formerly Twitter: "I Can Only Imagine movie on Netflix was absolutely amazing and so well done……wow, just wow!!!!"

Someone else commented: "I Can Only Imagine on Netflix is such a beautiful movie."

And it seems one of the agreed upon highlights of the film is the supporting actor, Dennis Quaid.

Katie Walsh wrote in the LA Times: "If the film is affecting, it’s due to Quaid’s dark, committed performance as an incredibly troubled man. As he lashes out at his son, destroying the things he loves, hurting him physically and even worse, psychologically, you see that this man is in a mental prison of his own design - defensive, violent, insecure."

Lionsgate

Peter Debruge also praised the ensemble cast in Variety, agreeing: "It lifts the entire enterprise to have an actor of Quaid’s caliber involved in a film like this. Actually, it’s even more satisfying to see Cloris Leachman pop up as Bart’s Memaw, whose chicken-fried expressions give MercyMe its name, and might also have inspired the title of its most popular song. Trace Adkins is also a nice addition as Brickell, the Christian music producer."

Millard himself has also spoken out about the film about his life, telling People in 2018: "If this had come out five years ago I don't know if I would have been able to go through it.

"I'm in a great place now, but I never thought in a million years it would actually happen."