The Third Miracle

The Third Miracle

Year: 1999

Runtime: 119 min

Language: English

Director: Agnieszka Holland

Drama

A troubled priest, Father Frank Shore, is sent to investigate the case of a woman believed to have experienced miraculous events. As he examines the possibility of sainthood, he encounters a complicated history of hardship and suffering among those around her. The investigation forces him to confront his own beliefs and question the nature of faith and divine intervention.

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The Third Miracle (1999) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of The Third Miracle (1999), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

As the Allied forces unleashed devastation upon Bystrica, Slovakia during the closing chapters of World War II, a fragile young girl uttered a desperate prayer that cut through the chaos. This silent supplication, though seemingly insignificant amidst the roar of conflict, would ignite a series of events destined to change her life irrevocably.

Jumping ahead to 1979, we find Father Frank Shore, portrayed by Ed Harris, at a significant crossroads in his spiritual journey. Known as the “Miracle Killer,” his relentless pursuit of truth has led him to debunk numerous false claims of divine intervention. Despite his skepticism, Father Frank has yet to encounter a true miracle that could reignite his wavering faith. His life takes a turn when the Vatican calls upon him to investigate the alleged miracles associated with Helen O’Regan, who is now under consideration for sainthood.

As Father Frank embarks on this quest for the truth, he becomes embroiled in the incredible stories surrounding Helen’s life and death. However, the greatest challenge to his steadfast beliefs emerges from Helen’s daughter Roxane, played by Anne Heche. Roxane, a staunch non-believer, harbors deep resentment towards her mother, who left her when she was just 16 years old. Her bitterness poses a significant threat to Father Frank’s established views, forcing him to confront the complex interplay of faith, duty, and personal redemption. In grappling with the demands of his clerical responsibilities against the intriguing whispers of his own doubts, Father Frank finds himself at the heart of a profound internal struggle.

Last Updated: November 18, 2024 at 21:11

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Investigative Faith Dramas like The Third Miracle

Gritty procedural inquiries into miracles, skepticism, and divine intervention.If you liked the procedural and spiritual tension of The Third Miracle, explore more movies where a skeptic's investigation into the miraculous becomes a heavy, personal journey of faith, doubt, and moral questioning.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative typically unfolds as a methodical inquiry, where gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses parallels the protagonist's own deepening spiritual crisis. The external mystery often remains unresolved, serving primarily as a catalyst for a profound internal conflict about the nature of belief.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their unique blend of investigative procedural and intense spiritual drama. They share a serious, contemplative mood, a steady pacing that builds tension through revelation, and a central theme of questioning established truths in the face of human suffering.

Soul-Searching Character Dramas similar to The Third Miracle

Character-driven stories where personal demons clash with profound ethical questions.Discover movies like The Third Miracle that feature troubled protagonists on a heavy introspective journey. These films combine serious themes like addiction, grief, and crisis of faith with a steady, melancholic pacing and an ambiguous resolution.

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Narrative Summary

The journey is predominantly internal. A character burdened by past failures or trauma is placed in a situation that forces them to re-examine their life's meaning. The plot is driven by emotional and ethical conflicts rather than action, often leading to an ending that reflects the complexity of their struggle without neat solutions.

Why These Movies?

They share a cohesive vibe defined by a dark, serious tone, heavy emotional weight, and a steady pacing that allows for deep character study. The focus is on the raw, introspective experience of confronting one's beliefs and flaws.

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