The Cokeville Miracle

The Cokeville Miracle

Year: 2015

Runtime: 94 min

Language: English

Director: T.C. Christensen

DramaHistoryMysteryThrillerFamily

In the small town of Cokeville, Wyoming, a tense situation unfolds when a desperate couple takes elementary school students hostage. The crisis escalates with the threat of a classroom bomb, plunging the community into chaos. Through the recollections of survivors, a local man named Ron Hartley initially approaches the events with skepticism. However, as he listens to their accounts, he begins to question his beliefs and contemplates the possibility of divine intervention during the tragedy, ultimately pondering the extraordinary events of that day.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Cokeville Miracle yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – The Cokeville Miracle (2015)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Cokeville Miracle (2015). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

May 1986

May 1986 was a turbulent time marked by the aftermath of various social upheavals in the United States. This period saw a growing concern about violence and safety in communities, which is reflected in the chilling narrative of the hostage crisis in Cokeville. The events of this time left lasting impressions on those directly affected, as they grappled with faith and the fragility of life.

Location

Cokeville, Tucson, Arizona

Cokeville, a small town, is known for its close-knit community and serene atmosphere. However, it becomes the epicenter of a harrowing hostage situation when a former town marshal comes back with sinister intentions. Tucson, Arizona serves as the backdrop for the villain's preparation, showcasing a contrasting urban environment filled with chaos and planning.

🏙️ Town 💼 School

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:06

Main Characters – The Cokeville Miracle (2015)

Meet the key characters of The Cokeville Miracle (2015), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Ron Hartley

Ron Hartley is a dedicated police officer whose faith is deeply tested by the traumatic events his community faces. As he grapples with doubts about a just God, he eventually seeks redemption and healing for himself and his family. His character arc reflects the importance of confronting one's faith and emotions in times of crisis.

👮‍♂️ Law Enforcement 🙏 Faith 💔 Trauma

Claudia Hartley

Claudia is Ron's supportive wife who is concerned about his waning faith and the family's well-being. Her nurturing nature shines through as she encourages Ron to reconcile his feelings and find hope again. Claudia's character represents the strength and resilience of a family navigating a harrowing situation.

👩‍👧‍👦 Family 🌼 Support ❤️ Love

David Young

David Young is a former town marshal turned antagonist, driven by delusions and a desire for control. His misguided belief in a 'brave new world' leads him to commit heinous acts that terrorize the community. His descent into madness serves as a stark contrast to the quest for faith and redemption made by other characters.

⚔️ Antagonist 🌪️ Chaos 🧨 Violence

Penny Young

Penny is David Young's daughter who struggles with her father's intentions and ultimately chooses to rebel against his plans. Her moral conflict and decision to escape highlight the innocence of children amid chaos, as well as the possibility of change and courage in dire circumstances.

👧 Innocence ✊ Courage 🚪 Rebellion

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:06

Major Themes – The Cokeville Miracle (2015)

Explore the central themes of The Cokeville Miracle (2015), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

✝️ Faith vs. Doubt

This theme is intricately woven into the narrative, as Ron Hartley struggles with his faith amid unspeakable atrocities. His journey from doubt to renewed belief showcases the human quest for understanding and the importance of faith in the face of chaos. As characters confront their beliefs, the film emphasizes the power of redemption and hope.

💔 Trauma and Healing

The Cokeville Miracle delves deep into the effects of trauma on individuals and families, particularly on children. The aftermath of the hostage situation leaves scars that require healing, both emotionally and spiritually. Through Ron and his family's journey, the film reflects on the necessity of support, love, and understanding in overcoming painful experiences.

🕊️ Redemption

Redemption is a central theme as characters seek forgiveness and understanding after the devastating attack. Ron's journey towards reconciling his feelings of hatred and resentment illustrates the struggle many face when coming to terms with tragedy. The film ultimately carries a message of hope and the possibility of finding peace even after immense suffering.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:06

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies like The Cokeville Miracle: True Stories of Miracles and Hope

Gripping stories based on real tragedies where faith or unexplained events lead to hope.For viewers seeking movies similar to The Cokeville Miracle, this section features films based on true stories of crisis that build to a hopeful, faith-affirming conclusion. If you were moved by the themes of divine intervention and survivor testimony, you'll find similar gripping and emotionally resonant dramas here.

faith-affirmingtensebased on true storymiraculoustraumaticredemptivecommunity-focusedpsychological

Narrative Summary

These stories typically begin by establishing a normal community, which is then shattered by a sudden, high-stakes crisis. The narrative often unfolds through the recollections of survivors or a skeptical investigator, building tension before revealing an extraordinary, seemingly miraculous resolution that points to a greater meaning or purpose behind the tragedy.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped together because they share a specific narrative arc: a factual foundation, intense trauma, and a redemptive, hopeful resolution centered on themes of faith or the inexplicable. They balance heavy emotional weight with a ultimately positive tone, creating a unique viewing experience of tension leading to transcendence.

Emotional Dramas of Trauma and Hope like The Cokeville Miracle

Emotionally difficult journeys where characters find light after profound darkness.If you liked The Cokeville Miracle's balance of heavy themes with a hopeful message, this list features similar movies. These films explore dark, traumatic events but are defined by their redemptive arcs and focus on healing, making them emotionally challenging yet ultimately uplifting.

traumatichopefulredemptiveemotionally heavycatharticpsychologicalfaith-affirminganxious

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves characters being thrust into a situation of extreme peril or grief. The central conflict is as much internal—grappling with faith, despair, or skepticism—as it is external. The journey culminates not just in survival, but in a meaningful transformation or a rediscovery of hope, often through community or personal epiphany.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their ability to sit with heavy, difficult emotions without succumbing to bleakness. They share a specific tonal balance: they earn their hopeful endings by first confronting the reality of trauma, creating a powerful and cathartic experience for the viewer seeking meaning in hardship.

Unlock the Full Story of The Cokeville Miracle

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Cokeville Miracle in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Cokeville Miracle is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Cokeville Miracle Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Cokeville Miracle, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Cokeville Miracle Summary

The Cokeville Miracle Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Cokeville Miracle with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Cokeville Miracle Timeline

The Cokeville Miracle Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Cokeville Miracle that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

The Cokeville Miracle Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Cokeville Miracle

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Cokeville Miracle: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Cokeville Miracle

Similar Movies to The Cokeville Miracle

Discover movies like The Cokeville Miracle that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.