The new Christian drama “Catching Faith 2” follows the faith transformation of a family after a series of unfortunate events take place, disrupting their lives in ways they could not have imagined — and a former Victoria’s Secret model who quit the lingerie business to follow her faith plays a starring role.
The film follows the faith journies of three main characters Alexa, Beau, and Ravyn Taylor. Alexa, the mother of Beau and Ravyn, is overwhelmed while caring for her mother who has Alzheimer’s while balancing her recently landed dream job.
“Her son, Beau, has just lost his professional football career to an injury and her daughter, Ravyn, needs help planning her last-minute wedding,” the film description reads. “Only with the support of friends and the guiding grace of their faith can the Taylors find the strength to cope with the tidal wave of drama and tragedy that is rolling over their lives.”
Nicole Weider, an ex-Victoria’s Secret model and founder of Project Inspired, plays Clara in the film, who is a light-hearted, humorous character that Weirder resonated with.
In an interview with Faithwire, Weider shared that she decided to act in Catching Faith 2 after being moved by the script and the strength of the family within it.
“When I read the script I was really moved by the strength of the family despite a turn of events, and how they relied on God and each other to get through it,” Weider explained. “I also thought that the script was inspiring, entertaining, and a film that the entire family can enjoy.”
There is a surprising element of humor in the drama, Weider added, which is part of what made playing Clara so much fun.
“I was drawn to the character of Clara for several reasons,” Weider shared. “First, it was very natural for me to play her, because like her I also had a big part in planning my own wedding, and for fun, I was even able to re-work some of the sentences in the script to real-life lingo I use.”
“I love light comedic roles in general,” Weider added.
Weider, who runs Project Inspired, left the modeling world after she found Jesus and realized how detrimental her modeling career was.
“I realized that being a model was truly not what it was cracked up to be. I felt degraded, that I was never ‘perfect’ enough, and being judged only on my appearance was hurting my self-esteem,” she explained in an interview with Faithwire. “I realized I wanted more for my life. I rediscovered my faith that I had as a little girl, and it changed my life because I was passionate about using my gifts for God instead of the empty modeling industry.”
Following her exit from the modeling world, Weider founded Project Inspired and wrote the book “Project Inspired: Tips and Tricks for Staying True to Who You Are,” hoping to inspire girls to not take the same route that she did.
Now, Weider runs her ministry and occasionally acts and produces films that she feels have a positive impact on others.
“I love being able to express my creativity in the roles I play and perform in,” she said. “It’s a really fun process for me and I also love to work with other actors, to create an engaging story for audiences.”
Who should see this film?
The film, which follows the story of a young man who chooses to put his faith in God despite his circumstances, is encouraging for anyone that has experienced or is experiencing a disappointment in life.
Not only does it feature a young man who experiences a shift in his relationship with God, but it also features “a mother who relies on God to overcome an unexpected turn of events,” according to Weider.
Weider says this film is for “anyone who is looking for an uplifting and inspirational movie about faith and family.”
The plotline is diverse, focusing on “a young woman getting married, high school football, and the strength of family sticking together despite a turn of events.”
While telling the stories of these characters, “Catching Faith 2” demonstrates that the Christian life is not always an easy walk, and even further, it’s not supposed to be comfortable.
Weider explained that the film was special to her because she has a place in her heart for combining the cinematic arts and faith.
“I believe you can honor God while producing high quality and entertaining movie. I’ve experienced God’s redemption and His love and grace in my own life, and I want to share that as much as possible with the world.”
“I look up to the Kendrick and Erwin brothers, and like them, I have a similar mission of glorifying God through films, while paving my own way as a Christian female producer, and sharing God’s love in Los Angeles,” Weider added.
“I love being able to have a voice and an opportunity to bring to life stories that have a positive impact for the world,” Weider shared, “and that also glorify God while being high quality and entertaining.”
You can watch “Catching Faith 2: The Homecoming” on September 3 on DVD, VOD & Digital HD.