A new film about the Sacred Heart of Jesus has become an unexpected box office hit in France, with more than 400,000 people having watched it since its October 1 release. The docudrama combines historical reenactments and personal testimonies of encounters with Christ. A full-page article published by Le Figaro on November 3 noted, “This film reveals the discreet but real return of religion in French society.”
Steven and Sabrina Gunnell wrote and directed “Sacré Coeur” to mark the 350th anniversary of the apparitions of Jesus to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque. Steven, a former member of the French 1990s boy band Alliage, is a convert to Catholicism.
The docudrama also caused major controversies in France. A planned poster campaign ahead of the film’s release in metro stations and train stations was rejected, citing the “religious and proselytizing nature” of the project. In mid-October, the socialist mayor of Marseille canceled a screening of the film at a popular venue at the last minute, alleging “violation of the principle of secularism” in a public space.
However, Catholics mobilized in response to the opposition. The film’s popularity can also be explained by a resurgence of Catholicism in France, with many bishops promoting the film on their diocesan websites. Thousands of people have been touched by the movie, and the producers continue to receive thank-you messages from believers and non-believers alike.