Review: The Shunning DVD

Based on the 1997 novel by New York Times best-selling author Beverly Lewis, The Shunning tells the story of Katie Lapp (Panabaker,) a young Amish woman who makes a discovery that throws her life into confusion. On the eve of Katie’s wedding to widower Bishop John (Jenkins,) a mysterious "Englisher" (Stringfield) arrives in Lancaster County and startling news comes from her anguished Old Order Amish father (Oberst) and mother. Nothing prepares Katie for the devastation their confession brings. Feeling betrayed, Katie watches as the only life she has ever known begins to unravel, leaving in its wake a furrow of pain…and a future of hope.


I was very excited to see this movie, especially because it was advertised as a Hallmark movie.  I usually love the films produced by Michael Landon, Jr., and couldn't wait to watch this one.  From the beginning, this film was very captivating, although the storyline was sad.  The main character, Katie, goes through a lot of questions about her life in the Amish community, the strict rules she doesn't always want to follow, and her upcoming marriage to a man she isn't even sure she loves.  I usually endure heartbreaking stories just because I love beautiful endings.  But this film was quite disappointing!  Just when you think the storyline is about to get better, the credits start rolling!  The viewer is left to imagine what happens next and what road Katie decides to take.  The only redeeming quality for this film would be if they made a sequel, because there are a ton of unanswered questions and not much of a beautiful ending.  This film had a lot of potential, but definitely needs another one to tell the rest of Katie's story.  If this is a stand-alone film, I probably won't watch it again.





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