The Secret: Dare to Dream

Movie Trailer

Release Date
July 31, 2020

Genre
Romance, Drama

Cast & Crew

• Katie Holmes as Miranda Wells
• Josh Lucas as Bray Johnson
• Jerry O’Connell as Tucker Middendorf
• Celia Weston as Bobby
• Sarah Hoffmeister as Missy Wells
• Aidan Pierce Brennan as Greg Wells
• Chloe Lee as Bess Wells

Director
Andy Tennant

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Sweet Home Alabama (2002)
• Hitch (2005)
• Ever After (1998)
• Fool’s Gold (2008)

Producer
Robert Katz, Robert W. Cort, Joe Gelchion, Matthew George, Rhonda Byrne

Writer
Bekah Brunstetter, Andy Tennant, Rick Parks, based on The Secret by Rhonda Byrne

Budget
Estimated at $9.2 million

Production Company
Tri-G Films, Savvy Media Holdings, Covert Media

Running Time
107 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
PG

Content Advisory

• Mild thematic elements
• Some language

Movie Story
The Secret: Dare to Dream is a heartfelt romance-drama inspired by Rhonda Byrne’s best-selling self-help book The Secret. The film follows Miranda Wells (Katie Holmes), a widowed mother of three struggling to keep her life together. Living in a small Louisiana town, Miranda faces numerous challenges, including financial difficulties and the emotional toll of raising her children alone. She works at a local restaurant and is engaged to Tucker Middendorf (Jerry O’Connell), who provides some stability but lacks the spark she longs for.

Miranda’s life takes a turn when a mysterious stranger, Bray Johnson (Josh Lucas), arrives in town. Bray is an optimistic and kind-hearted man who believes in the power of positive thinking, a central theme of The Secret. He crosses paths with Miranda after a minor car accident and soon becomes involved in her life, helping her fix up her home after a storm and offering guidance on how to change her outlook on life.

As Bray spends more time with Miranda and her children, he subtly introduces them to the ideas of The Secret, encouraging them to focus on gratitude and positivity to attract better outcomes in their lives. Under Bray’s influence, Miranda begins to see the world in a new light, rediscovering hope and the possibility of happiness.

However, Bray is harboring a secret of his own—one that connects him to Miranda’s past in ways she never imagined. As the truth comes to light, Miranda must confront her fears and decide whether she is willing to embrace the possibilities of a better future.

The Secret: Dare to Dream explores themes of love, loss, and the power of positive thinking. The film’s narrative emphasizes the idea that our thoughts can shape our reality, and it portrays Bray as a catalyst for change in Miranda’s life, helping her to break free from the limitations she has placed on herself.

Special Effects
The film does not rely heavily on special effects, focusing instead on character-driven storytelling and emotional depth. The most significant use of visual effects occurs during the storm sequences, where the destructive power of nature is depicted. These scenes are handled with a realistic approach, enhancing the drama without overshadowing the film’s intimate tone.

Box Office Performance
The Secret: Dare to Dream was released on-demand and in limited theaters during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenging release conditions, the film found an audience, particularly among fans of the book The Secret. The film’s positive message and feel-good narrative resonated with viewers seeking uplifting content during a difficult time, though it received mixed reviews from critics, who praised the performances but criticized the film for being overly simplistic and predictable.

Filming Locations

• New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
• Madisonville, Louisiana, USA

Notable Quotes

• “You can’t see it, but you can feel it. It’s like the wind.” – Bray Johnson
• “If you believe you can do something, you can.” – Bray Johnson
• “The more you think about something, the more you draw it to you.” – Bray Johnson

Behind-the-Scenes
The film was directed by Andy Tennant, known for his work on romantic comedies and dramas. Tennant sought to bring a grounded, relatable approach to the story, focusing on the emotional journeys of the characters. Katie Holmes and Josh Lucas lead the cast, bringing warmth and sincerity to their roles. The film’s connection to The Secret book provided it with a built-in audience, but the filmmakers aimed to ensure that the story would resonate with viewers regardless of their familiarity with the book’s concepts.

Awards
The Secret: Dare to Dream did not receive major award nominations but was recognized for its positive message and inspirational themes.

Final Verdict
The Secret: Dare to Dream is a gentle, feel-good film that blends romance and self-help concepts into a story of hope and transformation. While it may not break new ground in the genre, it offers an uplifting narrative with strong performances from Katie Holmes and Josh Lucas. The film’s emphasis on the power of positive thinking makes it a suitable choice for viewers looking for an inspiring and heartwarming movie.

IMDb Rating
6.4/10