Flywheel: Ignition of the Soul 2026 Movie Review Trailer Poster

Christian filmmakers Alex and Stephen Kendrick began their careers with the drama *Flywheel* (2003). Since then, they have positioned themselves at the forefront of faith-based cinema with hits such as *Fireproof*, *War Room*, and *The Forge*. Now, they present *Flywheel: Ignition of the Soul*, a new Brazilian version of their debut film. Directed by Alessandro Barros, this production has been dubbed into English.

Noah Silva (Mario Bregiera) is a dishonest car salesman. He overcharges customers, conceals damage to the used vehicles he sells, and teaches his employees how to maximize profits through lies. None of this weighs on his conscience—not even in the slightest—until one night, he turns on the television and begins watching a preacher. Suddenly, Noah decides to commit his life to Jesus Christ. This entails making amends for the harm caused to all the customers he deceived. Although doing so puts his earnings at risk, he trusts that God will set everything right.

Director: Alessandro Barros
Writer: Alex Kendrick
Stars: Mario Bregieira, Adriano Canindé, Pérola Faria

Faith-based cinema has evolved significantly over the last two decades. For this reason, it is disappointing to encounter a film as regressive as *Flywheel: Ignition of the Soul*. It is a classic case where conveying a message is prioritized over storytelling. The plot relies on a series of miraculous coincidences, and every twist feels entirely manipulative—culminating in a conclusion that is laughably implausible. There is no subtlety or nuance; just old-fashioned sermonizing, delivered in a clumsy and relentless manner.

To give an example: there is a very long scene in which Noah watches the preacher, followed by another extended sequence showing him in prayer. Later, there is yet another drawn-out scene in which Noah asks his wife, Ana (Pérola Faria), for forgiveness and explains, in exhaustive detail, how he has committed his life to God. His employees are treated in a similar fashion. In another sequence, Noah tells his father what happened, and his father immediately begins to pray for him—a moment that also stretches on for several minutes. The film is little more than a succession of interminable scenes in which Noah explains his religious conversion, over and over again.

To make matters worse, the script is riddled with awkward dialogue, and the performances are often lackluster. (It must be noted that the voice-over dubbing—odd and devoid of emotion—does nothing to help in this regard.) The film also leans on the tired trope of the tormented man with a wife—a character lacking any real personality, yet immensely devoted—who encourages him in his newfound spiritual "enlightenment." Surprisingly, it avoids the all-too-common cliché of naming the wife "Faith" or "Grace."

The message of *Flywheel: Ignition of the Soul*—that life flows better when one trusts in God—is, without a doubt, a respectable one. Many viewers will likely respond to it positively. As a piece of cinema, however, it represents a significant step backward; it feels like something intended for a church basement rather than a commercial movie theater. By the end, you won’t feel inspired—you’ll feel pressured.

Watch Flywheel: Ignition of the Soul 2026 Movie Trailer