HURRICANE SEASON
A beautifully made Katrina story of faith, football, and true grace.
Should You Watch It?
This is one of the best documentaries ever made, according to the source review—and its superb editing helps explain why. Narrated by football legend Terry Bradshaw, it turns Hurricane Katrina’s devastation into an absorbing story about displaced students, athletic dreams, envy, faith, and perseverance.
The film’s Christian content is not decorative. Prayer, praise, great music, and a faithful storyline stand alongside a serious look at hardship. The cost is real-life salty language, plus light football violence and images of destruction left by the hurricane.
If your family can handle the language, this is a worthwhile choice for older children through adults. For younger children, use your discernment and choose something gentler.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESAfter Hurricane Katrina destroys homes and schools in New Orleans, several high school football players see their hopes for college scholarships disappear. A nearby school expands its football program to take in displaced students.
Stanley, whose family is barely surviving, is the team’s central figure. As new competition changes the team, Stanley must confront difficult emotions while finding refuge in music and his Christian Pentecostal church.
Is It Any Good?
Four stars means this documentary is exceptionally well crafted. The editing is superb, and the story develops with the shape and emotional force of a drama while remaining nonfiction.
Franklin Martin’s direction and writing create a tremendous, faithful storyline from the players’ struggles. The result is so compelling that even someone who dislikes documentaries called it one of the best movies they had ever seen.
The Worldview
The documentary presents a very strong Christian, biblical worldview about fallen people trying to rebuild their lives after Hurricane Katrina. It exalts perseverance, faith, prayer, praise, family struggle, and the possibility of grace amid devastation.
Stanley’s rediscovery of faith and his involvement in a Christian Pentecostal church give the story a clear spiritual center. The film also presents a team that is almost entirely Black, with Johnny and another player as the exceptions; this is part of the work’s portrait of a community brought together by displacement and football.
The film does not treat hardship as meaningless. It shows people confronting envy, loss, and uncertainty while seeking a way forward. That emphasis aligns with Scripture’s picture of God as present help in trouble: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Content Summary
Very strong Christian, biblical worldview about fallen people trying to get their lives together after Hurricane Katrina; 16 obscenities and two profanities; light football violence and lots of shots of hurricane devastation; no sex; no nudity; no alcohol; no smoking; and, nothing else objectionable.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
The players face losses they did not cause. Where do you look for hope when circumstances change suddenly?
Psalm 46:1 · Romans 15:13Stanley has to confront envy when another player receives more opportunities. What does Scripture teach us to do with jealousy?
James 3:16 · Philippians 2:3–4How can prayer, praise, and music help people remain faithful during suffering?
Psalm 34:1–4 · Philippians 4:6–7The team brings together students displaced by disaster. What does it look like to welcome people who have lost their homes or community?
Romans 12:13 · Hebrews 13:2The Final Word
This is a beautifully crafted documentary with superb editing, strong Christian values, and a moving story of perseverance after disaster. Its language requires discernment, especially with younger viewers, but older children through adults can find much to discuss and admire. WORTH THE TRIP — MIDDLE SCHOOL AND UP.
