Heaven Is for Real

The film opens in Lithuania with a young girl starting to create a portrait. This artistic endeavor sets the stage for themes of perception and belief that will unfold throughout the narrative.

The narrative shifts to Imperial, Nebraska, where Todd Burpo, portrayed by Greg Kinnear, is installing a garage door. In addition to his handyman work, Todd is also a high school wrestling coach, a volunteer firefighter, and pastor of the local church, highlighting his multifaceted role in the community.

Despite facing financial difficulties and Todd's medical leave due to a broken leg, his wife Sonja insists on a family trip to Denver. Accompanied by their children, Cassie and Colton, they embark on this adventure, marking it as a special occasion for the family.

In Denver, the family visits a butterfly and spider sanctuary. While Cassie bravely holds a tarantula, Colton hesitates, revealing a moment of childhood fear that contrasts with Cassie's boldness.

On their return trip, both Cassie and Colton fall ill, causing great concern for the family. While Cassie's condition soon improves, Colton's fever escalates, leading them to seek medical attention, which sets off a chain of critical events.

At the hospital, doctors reveal that Colton’s appendix has ruptured, necessitating immediate surgery. Todd and Sonja are warned to prepare for a difficult outcome, elevating the emotional stakes as they face the fear of losing their son.

In the hospital chapel, Todd struggles with despair, questioning God about the suffering he has endured. His outburst reveals the depths of his emotional turmoil and his desperation to protect his family from harm.

After the surgery, to everyone's relief, Colton recovers and exhibits an unexpected bravery. He expresses a wish to hold the spider he once feared, symbolizing a profound change within him following his brush with death.

Colton shares his extraordinary claim of having visited Heaven during his surgery, where he encountered Jesus and witnessed incredible sights. This shocking revelation astonishes Todd, leaving him both amazed and conflicted about the implications of his son's experience.

As Colton’s story gains traction, skepticism surfaces within the community. Some townsfolk question the authenticity of his experience, leading to confrontations and tensions, particularly as Cassie defends her brother against bullies at school.

Todd seeks counsel from friends and a psychologist, who suggests Colton’s visions might be hallucinations stemming from trauma. Meanwhile, Sonja also grapples with disbelief, complicating their family's ability to process Colton's claims.

During a church board meeting, concerns arise about the effects of Colton's story on the congregation's unity. Organist Nancy and Todd's friend Jim emphasize the potential fallout, highlighting the pressure on Todd's pastoral role amidst rising doubt.

Colton recounts a poignant meeting with Todd's late grandfather, Pop, providing him with significant details that suggest his story may hold truth. This moment ignites a flicker of belief in Todd, as he begins to confront Colton's extraordinary claims.

In a surprising revelation, Colton describes meeting his sister, who was lost to miscarriage. This intimate detail further perplexes Todd and Sonja, as they had never shared this past with Colton, deepening the mystery of his experience.

After experiencing growing national attention, Todd is invited on-air by a radio station to confirm his son's claims. This increased visibility culminates in an emotional church service where Todd openly shares his conviction and love for his son’s story, touching many hearts.

In the film's concluding moments, Todd reflects on the journey while observing a news report about the Lithuanian girl who painted Jesus. The film closes with updates on the Burpo family, celebrating their continued faith and love, while Colton humorously quips about his brotherhood.