I Can Only Imagine

The film opens with Bart Millard, a 10-year-old boy from Greenville, Texas, living in a tumultuous home due to his father's alcoholism and verbal abuse. His father, Arthur, makes life unbearable for Bart and his mother, who both face the brunt of his anger.

In an effort to escape his harsh reality, Bart uses his imagination to create art from discarded items, finding solace in his creativity. However, his father's fury leads to the tragic moment when Arthur burns Bart's creations in a fire pit, symbolizing the destruction of Bart's hopes and dreams.

Bart’s mother decides to send him to a week-long Christian camp, hoping it will provide him some peace. Tearfully, she reassures him of her love, which Bart carries with him as he meets Shannon, a fellow camper who quickly becomes a source of support.

During camp, Bart and Shannon form a close bond, strengthened by a heartfelt moment under the stars, despite an embarrassing doodle revealing Bart's feelings. Their young love blossoms, providing Bart with a sense of security amid his troubled home life.

Upon returning home from camp, Bart discovers that his mother is moving away, leading to a heart-wrenching chase after the moving truck. In a moment of desperation, he cries out not to be left behind, highlighting his fear of abandonment.

Fast forward to his teenage years, Bart, now played by J. Michael Finley, is navigating high school and dating Shannon. He initially continues his father's legacy as a football player but suffers a devastating injury, forcing him to rethink his life and aspirations.

While recuperating from his injury, Bart’s musical talent is recognized by the school's music director, leading to his role in the production of *Oklahoma*. Initially reluctant, Bart embraces the opportunity and captivates his peers with his captivating voice, earning his father's praise.

As Bart begins to find his passion for music, he faces a new challenge with his father’s health when Arthur is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. This revelation complicates Bart's feelings, and he struggles to express his emotions, creating a rift with Shannon.

After graduating, Bart moves to Oklahoma City to pursue his dream of a music career, forming a band that lays the groundwork for MercyMe. They perform at various youth camps, eventually attracting the attention of industry producer Scott Brickell.

Despite their hard work, Bart and his band face rejection from record executives, forcing Bart to reassess his priorities. He realizes that to fully embrace his dreams, he must also mend the broken relationships in his life, particularly with his father.

Returning home, Bart observes a profound change in his father, who is now seeking redemption through reading the Bible. Although skeptical, Bart begins to reconnect with Arthur during their final days together, fostering a deep and understanding bond.

As Arthur's health declines, Bart cherishes their moments together, leading to a heartfelt connection before Arthur passes away. This loss deeply impacts Bart, emphasizing the importance of family and reconciliation.

After his father's funeral, Bart rejoins MercyMe, and inspiration strikes as he discovers the phrase 'I Can Only Imagine' in his journal. He begins to craft the lyrics for what will become a monumental and transformative song for both his life and his career.

The song 'I Can Only Imagine' garners attention from Amy Grant, leading to a live performance invitation during her concert. With Shannon in the audience, Bart pours his heart into the performance, moving the crowd and honoring his father's memory.

The song achieves immense success, going triple platinum and catapulting MercyMe into major stardom. They become one of the most celebrated Christian bands, leaving behind a legacy of 21 hit songs, profoundly impacting the genre.