Petra just proved that Christian rock isn’t just a genre—it’s a cultural force. After 50 years of making music that matters, the legendary band stepped into cinema with“Beyond Belief,”a feature film that’s now in theaters. Rather than a traditional biopic, the movie tells an original story set in the 1980s about a teenage character named Andy navigating grief and musical ambition against the backdrop of Petra’s most iconic songs. Director Johnny Meier filmed primarily in the Chicago suburbs, capturing the authentic energy of that era while weaving faith and purpose into a narrative that goes deeper than pure nostalgia.
The journey to bring this film to life took 15 years of development, and it required real commitment from Petra’s John Schlitt and Bob Hartman. Both band legends appear in the film alongside younger actors Oscar Mansky and Jeremy Burchard, who portray the musicians on screen. That blend of authentic legacy and fresh perspective creates something unique—a movie that honors where Petra came from while telling a story that resonates with broader audiences. Whether you grew up with their music or you’re discovering the band through cinema,“Beyond Belief”offers themes of loss, faith, and discovering your true purpose that feel surprisingly timeless.
For Gen-X listeners especially, this film functions as both a cultural touchstone and a genuine emotional journey. The movie captures what made Petra special: driving rock anthems rooted in faith and evangelism, paired with storytelling that doesn’t shy away from real human struggles. If you’re considering heading to the theater, know that you’re not just watching a music movie—you’re experiencing 50 years of legacy wrapped in an 1980s coming-of-age narrative. Have you seen“Beyond Belief”yet, or is it on your must-watch list?
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.