Soul on Fire Trailer, Fun Facts & Review
Soul on Fire Synopsis:
Inspired by a true story, at just nine years old, John O'Leary was given a 1% chance of survival after a devastating house fire left him with burns over his entire body. With unwavering support from his family, his deep faith, and his community—as well as surprising kindness from his idol, Baseball Hall of Fame announcer Jack Buck—John endures an unbelievable journey. His miraculous story inspired millions to live with extraordinary passion and to discover what it truly means to live.
Genre: Drama, biography
Release Date: In theaters October 10th, 2025
Soul on Fire Fun Facts:
Inspired by a True Story:
The movie is inspired by the true story of John O'Leary, who grew up in St. Louis. When he was just nine years old, he experienced a horrific fire accident that left him with burns all over his body. Medical professionals believed he had very little hope of surviving.
Book Inspiration:
The movie is based on O'Leary's 2016 bestselling memoir, On Fire: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life.
The Director's History with Miracles:
The movie is directed by Sean McNamara, recognized for his work on other inspiring movies based on real-life stories, such as Soul Surfer, The Miracle Season, and Reagan.
Well-Known Cast:
The movie features a well-known cast, including Joel Courtney (who plays John O'Leary as an adult), John Corbett, and William H. Macy.
Filmed in the Real Locations:
The main filming took place in St. Louis, Missouri, the hometown where John O'Leary grew up. The movie was shot in several of the actual sites that were significant to the key moments of his life.
A "Soul on Fire" Mosaic:
The promotional poster for the movie reportedly showcases a collection of pictures of everyone who played a role in John O'Leary's journey, highlighting his message that everyone who has been a hero in his life deserves to be recognized.
Soul on Fire Review:
Soul on Fire is an emotional biographical film inspired by the remarkable true story of John O’Leary from St. Louis, whose life took a dramatic turn after a traumatic incident in his youth. Although the movie sometimes relies on familiar uplifting themes, it offers a powerful depiction of resilience, love for family, and the strength that comes from discovering purpose when faced with overwhelming challenges.
The movie begins in the memorable 1980s, presenting a young John O’Leary, an energetic child whose carefree life is turned upside down after a mishap involving gasoline and matches leads to an explosion, causing severe burns over his entire body and leaving him with a slim one-percent chance of survival. The early scenes in the hospital are intense, setting a serious tone that calls for deep emotional engagement. The first part of the film, which showcases John's painful five-month recovery, is particularly gripping, highlighting the strength of human resilience and the dedication of his family.
At the heart of the film's emotional impact lies the remarkable cast. Joel Courtney skillfully portrays John's significant physical and emotional change, expressing the challenges of a young man embarrassed by his scars and looking for comfort in college activities. Nevertheless, it is John Corbett who truly grounds the film, offering a memorable and heartfelt portrayal of John's caring father, Denny, whose quiet strength helps the family navigate through difficult times. Also deserving of recognition is William H. Macy's understated performance as the legendary St. Louis Cardinals announcer, Jack Buck, whose uplifting calls to the boy in a coma symbolize a deep and touching act of kindness from the community.
However, the movie falters a bit in the second half. As the story moves into John's adulthood—depicting his shift from contractor to renowned motivational speaker—the pacing slows down. Certain reviewers have noted that the two-part structure, shifting from a real survival tale to a career-focused biography, can seem lengthened and sometimes overly emotional. The film finds it challenging keeping the same level of energy as it did in the beginning.
Ultimately, Soul on Fire fulfills its purpose. It is a heartfelt and impactful film that will deeply connect with audiences seeking an uplifting and emotionally fulfilling journey. The genuine impact of O’Leary’s real-life story, supported by the solid performances from Corbett and Macy, guarantees that the movie makes an impression.