Resurrection (1980)

In the heart-pounding aftermath of a fatal car accident that tragically claims her husband Joe's life, Edna Mae Macaulay teeters on the brink of the afterlife. She miraculously survives, but not without paying a heavy toll, becoming a paraplegic. Her brush with death marks the beginning of a new chapter in Edna's life as she leaves behind the sun-kissed cliffs of California to return to her rustic Kansas hometown, where her estranged father, John Harper, and a vibrant tapestry of extended family provide a backdrop of familiarity. An unexpected incident with a young relative's nosebleed sparks an extraordinary revelation. Edna's grandmother Pearl begins to suspect that Edna's brief dance with death has bestowed upon her a divine gift—the power to heal. As Edna embarks on a physical healing journey of her own, she discovers that she can indeed mend ailments, a power that sees her rise as a local beacon of hope, drawing the wounded and desperate to her. Edna's newfound abilities are met with a whirlwind of reactions. Some are eager to probe the scientific bases of her powers, while others, gripped by fear and superstition, view her gift as an ominous sign of devilish influence. Then there are those like Cal Carpenter, a man who, after being healed from a life-threatening injury by Edna, becomes her lover. He is convinced that she is the resurrection of Christ, a belief that stokes an increasingly dangerous obsession. As Edna navigates the complexities of her abilities and relationships, she finds herself caught in a web of love, faith, and fear. Her story evolves into a riveting exploration of the human response to the unexplainable. Shrouded in mystery, Edna's journey illuminates the tension between science, religion, and the inherent desire to heal, making "Resurrection" a captivating cinematic experience.

Resurrection is a drama movie featuring Ellen Burstyn and directed by Daniel Petrie.

Resurrection is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.