Quick Synopsis Calvin Campbell (Polaha) is a former professional baseball player whose career ended due to anxiety and panic attacks. Now in his mid-30s, he’s an alcoholic, estranged from his teenage daughter, and fired from yet another job. After a DUI, he’s forced to work at a local grocery store, where he meets Produce (DeSanctis), a young man with Down syndrome. Produce’s simple wisdom, deep faith, and unconditional friendship slowly lead Calvin toward redemption, sobriety, and reconciliation.
Part 1: Pre-Viewing Themes Consider these before watching:
Redemption – Can a person truly start over after repeated failures? Friendship across differences – How do unlikely friendships change us? Faith & doubt – The film has Christian themes without being overtly preachy. How does faith function as a quiet anchor? Fatherhood – Calvin’s relationship with his daughter (Katie) vs. Produce’s relationship with his own father.
Part 2: Discussion Questions (Spoilers Included) Character & Relationships where hope grows
Calvin’s spiral – What specific moments show how his baseball career’s end shaped his identity crisis? Do you think his anxiety was adequately addressed by those around him? Produce (name symbolism) – Why do you think the character is named “Produce”? How does he “bear fruit” in Calvin’s life? The father figures – Compare Calvin’s dad (supportive but distant) with Produce’s dad (protective but fearful). Which parenting approach seems more helpful? Katie (Calvin’s daughter) – Is she too forgiving, or realistically written as a teen who still loves her dad despite his failures?
Faith & Hope
Church scenes – The film includes a church community but doesn’t force conversions. How does the story handle faith as relationship rather than religion ? “Where hope grows” – What does the title mean literally and metaphorically by the end? Where do you see hope emerging from broken places? Quick Synopsis Calvin Campbell (Polaha) is a former
Tragedy & Resilience (Major Spoiler)
Produce dies from a sudden heart condition near the end.
Was Produce’s death necessary for the story? Some viewers find it manipulative; others see it as a realistic depiction of life’s unpredictability. What’s your view? Calvin’s eulogy speech – How does Produce’s death finally break Calvin’s pride and lead to lasting change? Is it fair that Calvin only fully transforms after a tragedy? Faith & doubt – The film has Christian
Realism vs. Inspiration
The grocery store setting – How does the film use ordinary, humble work as a backdrop for healing? Portrayal of Down syndrome – David DeSanctis (who has Down syndrome) plays Produce. Does the character avoid the “inspirational disabled person” cliché, or fall into it?