Fireproof
Written and directed by brothers Alex and Stephen Kendrick, Fireproof is an inspirational film about a troubled marriage that is given a new lease of life through faith.
Kirk Cameron plays Caleb, a fire-fighter whose loveless marriage to Catherine is on the rocks. Caleb’s work motto is “never leave your partner behind”, but he fails to apply this to Catherine (Erin Bethea), who, as well as holding down a demanding PR job is also responsible for doing the weekly shop, cleaning up after her lazy husband and caring for her ailing parents. Caleb is dedicated to his job, but not to his wife. A perennial slacker, he won’t lift a finger when it comes to the housework and spends most of his time “pleasuring himself on the Internet”, as Catherine tersely puts it, and obsessing about the sailing boat he plans to buy.
Sick of feeling used, Catherine tells Caleb she wants a divorce, which he is happy to agree to, if only for a little peace and quiet from his wife’s constant (if justified) nagging. But when Caleb’s father (Harris Malcom) hears about his plans, he presents him with a handwritten 40-day plan with strong Christian undertones to help him restore his marriage, called “The Love Dare”. Reluctant at first, Caleb dutifully follows the handbook’s instructions, while Catherine considers whether to hop into bed with another colleague.
The story is certainly compelling, if a little contrived, but it is let down by a turgid and clichéd script. The writers are so keen to hammer their point home that every conversation is crammed full of exhortations and jerking aphorisms. When Catherine has a brief exchange with a doctor who seems interested in more than her conversation, the two hospital receptionists give each other a knowing look. And just in case we missed the point, as soon as Catherine is out of earshot one receptionist tells the other “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say the doctor has a thing for Cat.” Subtle it ain’t.
Nevertheless, the cast of mostly amateurs (Kirk Cameron of Growing Pains being the exception) is surprisingly good, particularly fellow fireman Ken Bevel (Michael Simmons) whose non-judgemental counsel and deeply held Christian convictions win him Caleb’s respect, and does as much for his marriage as the “Love Dare” itself.
The first half of the film is a little heavy-handed, explaining through dialogue what is already insinuated through the characters’ actions, but the film improves significantly once Caleb starts on the 40-day programme. Caleb’s efforts to save his marriage, which are met with apparent indifference on Catherine’s part, reveal the insecurities of both. Anyone who has been in a committed relationship will recognise many of the trials that the two of them go through to keep their marriage alive.
Though not always subtle in its approach, Fireproof gives a moving and honest portrayal of a crumbling marriage, whilst emphasising that the sacrifices involved in committing to someone “for better or for worse” are well worth making.
