Love is what makes life worth living.  Two people become one, sharing a life full of laughter and tears, and together they can tackle anything.  What happens when you realize that while you are madly in love, you both have different ideas for your future?  In the new film Congratulations, this exact question is addressed.

Congratulations is a film that centers on two lovers, Jim (Brian Dietzen) and Bridget (Abby Miller).  On a weekend trip home to see his mother, Nancy (Debra Jo Rupp), Jim proposes to Bridget.  While you have witnessed their love for each other from the moment the story starts, and know they are in love, Bridget says no.  However, when Jim and Bridget make it home, Nancy and Jim’s childhood friend, Casey (Kevin Rankin), think they are indeed engaged.  The following journey these two go on is an emotional roller coaster.  They try to manage, and possibly acknowledge, the situations in their lives and relationship that lead to this refusal, and what, if anything, can be done to resolve the disconnect.

The heavy emotion of Congratulations is brought to life brilliantly by it’s extraordinary cast.   These actors have had success on previous shows (NCIS, Justified, That’s 70‘s Show, and Friday Night Lights respectfully), but their portrayal in this film shows just how much of a phenomenal actor they indeed are.

The film is a poignant look into relationships, and how they are perceived in this modern era.   No relationship is off the table, as family and friend relationships are examined with the same heart and passion of Jim and Bridget’s love.  It’s not a soapbox film, but it is one that you will use as a case study into your own life, examining what the meaning of love and marriage is, and what is truly important at the end of the day.

Congratulations will have it’s final show during Austin Film Festival on Thursday October 25 at 9:15pm at the Bob Bullock Spirit Theater.