ELIJAH PEEL is an uplifting film, inspired by a true story, and it opens only in theaters today, August 14, 2026. I was fortunate to get an exclusive, early preview. In these radical and hate-filled times we‘re living in, ELIJAH PEEL will expand your heart to the very real meaning of faith and a second chance. ELIJAH PEEL is a welcome movie for everyone.
FYI, you might want to bring a handkerchief.
Kevin D. Sepe, the co-writer, director and one of the producers, created a fictionalized rock star, a hard-partying, world-famous musician to depict his own history of addiction, spiritual brokenness and ultimately, his sobriety. The character he’s constructed to do this, Elijah Peel, performs to sold-out stadiums of screaming fans, and when he suffers a life-threatening heart attack on stage, everything about his life is stripped away, and he’s confined to a hospital bed to heal and hopefully get sober. In the process, a remarkable young girl, who’s another patient in the same hospital, winds up breaking down the walls and the emotional armor Elijah’s built around himself.
Celebrity drug problems are nothing new to the movies, or the gossip-fueled tabloids, so while you might think you’ve seen variations of this tale before—2018’s A Star is Born with Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga, plus some of you may remember the 1976 version with Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson—I promise, you haven’t seen this story.
One of the things I love about this film is the actors: Robert Malcolm Cumming as the jaded Elijah, and Evelyn Grace Kite as the delightful, lay-it-on-the-line girl, Jessica. They’re not familiar faces I’ve seen in a dozen other films, so Robert IS Elijah, and Evelyn Grace is Jessica, the young girl who doesn’t care about his fame. She only wants his healing, inside and out.
ELIJAH PEEL breaks through the real life noise of our all too common politically and socially-motivated assassinations, wars on multiple fronts, oil prices and prejudice. ELIJAH PEEL gives us more than hope. It gives us faith we can change not just our lives, but the lives of those around us. I hope you’ll check the theaters where you live and see ELIJAH PEELthis weekend. It will make you feel good.
30 thoughts on “ELIJAH PEEL IS A WELCOME MOVIE FOR EVERYONE”
I could use a feel good movie! Thank you, Brenda! Love your blogs!
Thank you, Caroline, then you’ll love Elijah Peel. xoxox, Brenda
Read your new book. Couldn’t put it down. Cringed. Chewed my nails. Read some parts over. Wow.
Have followed your blog for a few years. Missed you for a while when I was so sick.
Then you encouraged me to finish writing my book about my lost grandmother. I did. AMALIA, by Nena Jones was published a couple of months ago. The excitement was vastly diluted by my husband’s major, major surgery, and we feared the worst. He seems to be doing better, thanks to God, but I barely have time to promote my book as it languishes. I’d like you to enjoy it, Brenda. Give it a go please.
Hi Nena, Yes. I remember. Brava for writing your book. I know how difficult this is and the energy it takes to stick with it, so I’m impressed. I checked your book out on Amazon, but it’s priced at $24. You might think about lowering the price, or I fear it won’t sell. xoxox, Brenda
I don’t see many movies in the theater. It’s easier to wait for them to come on cable, but if you recommend this one, I’ll watch it. Best to you always Brenda
Best to you as well, Patti! Let me know if you see Elijah Peel. It’s sooo good. xoxox, Brenda
I used to watch the news every night, but the world is falling apart and there’s nothing we can do about it. The movie about the rock star and the little girl sounds much better. Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll check it out.
Hello Anne, I’ve watched the news since I was a little girl, but it’s getting harder and harder, but since I don’t want to be uninformed, I keep watching. Movies like Elijah Peel help wash away the bad things going on in the world and fill us with hope. Thank you for reading my blog! Brenda
Hi Brenda, I’m a new reader to your blog and just ordered your book. The reviews are awesome so congrats. My friend is a long time follower and loves your suggestions. Maybe the two of us can go see the Elia Peel movie.
Hi Karen! Welcome! I’m so glad to see you here, and thank your friend. I think you’ll like Elijah Peel. It’s definitely a feel good film and we all need one of those. Best, Brenda
Hey there! Have you been gone? I know you wrote your exciting true story. Yep! I read it. Who’s going to play you in the movie version? Your fan, Roger
Hi Roger, I think this is the first time you’ve left me a comment. So glad to see you here. Yes, I’ve taken some time out to write and publicize my book. As far as who will play me in the movie version… I think that’s a little premature, but I’ve learned movie producers are very wise, so if that were to happen, I’d rely on their judgement. Thank you, Brenda
Dear Brenda, You always find a way to lift us up and this movie is no exception. I’m checking to see if it’s playing anywhere near me. Take care!
Thank you, Janet! How sweet. That’s what we’re here to do: To help and lift one another up. xoxox, Brenda
Hi Brenda,
Thx for sharing. We need uplifting everything.
Hugs!
That we do sweet lady! Thank you, Katherine!! xoxox, Brenda
Thanks!!We all need to share HAPPY STORIES or things to do!Ted Lasso is back for another season on Apple TV.
I watched two episodes last night.
Enjoyed it very much!
Xxx
You’re right, Elizabeth! Just saw an old photograph of you on Instagram. So beautiful, and I thought about when I came to northern California to have lunch with you, a stranger. What was that? Ten or 12 years ago? One of the best things I’ve ever done! Take care of yourself. Love, Brenda
A faith based movie! Thank you!
Terri, I know! They don’t make many of those, but the audience is out here! Thank you! xoxox, Brenda
Looks like a wonderful movie Brenda. I live in the country so I’ll have to wait until it comes to cable but thank you!
Arlo!! How are you? I hear you. Put it on your list and hopefully it will come to cable some day. xoxox, Brenda
I hear you about that, Arlo. Put it on your mental list if it comes to cable. xoxox, Brenda
Why aren’t there more Christian movies? Count me in! Xo, Barb
I want to see this movie. Thank you for telling us about it. Why doesn’t Hollywood make more like this? Don’t they know there’s an audience that wants to see inspirational movies?
I heard one of the producers being interviewed. He said if an inspirational movie doesn’t do well in the first weekend/first week, Hollywood is less inclined to finance another one. I understand that, so please help spread the word about Elijah Peel. Thank you! Brenda
I watched the preview and think this one is a tearjerker. My theory is movies like this are good for us because they allow us to cleanse ourselves of emotions and memories we don’t need. Can’t wait to watch it! Thanks Brenda
Love your analysis, Polly, and I agree. Movies are a great release for our emotions. I know I cried a lot at Elijah Peel. Thank you! Brenda
Looked it up and we’re going to see it tomorrow! Thanks Brenda! xoxox
That’s awesome, Julia!!! Did you get to see it? Please let me know. xoxox, Brenda