Reel Marriage: Strengthening Relationships Through Faith and Film

Can a movie help a marriage? According to Russ Matthews, the answer is yes—when it’s paired with faith and honest conversation.

Key points:

Founder of Third Space Russ Matthew’s new book ‘Reel Marriage‘, blends storytelling with spiritual reflection.

“Film is just kind of a natural way for people to be able to kind of talk about life,” he told Hope Mornings’ Ben McEachen.

And that’s the heart of the book’s approach: using films as a springboard for meaningful dialogue between couples.

Movies give us a shared experience; “Usually, you go see a movie with someone,” Russ said.

‘Reel Marriage’ uses films as a springboard for meaningful dialogue between couples.

That shared space can open the door to conversations about what really matters — faith, forgiveness, love, and trust.

Rather than replacing real-life experiences, Russ believes that films complement them – he sees film not as a solution, but as a companion — a gentle nudge towards conversations we might not know how to start.

And of course, faith remains the anchor in all of it.

“It would actually strengthen someone’s faith and understanding the importance of their faith,” Russ said.

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‘Reel Marriage’ invites couples to see their relationship through the lens of God’s bigger story.

“Give us a visual depiction of some of things that were actually being seen on the pages of the Bible,” he explained.

The goal isn’t just to watch a film — it’s to see how God might be speaking through it.

To help readers go deeper, the book comes with a free downloadable handbook.

To help readers go deeper, the book comes with a free downloadable handbook – it’s a simple way to take the next step — whether you’re reading alone or with your partner.

For couples willing to reflect, share, and grow, Reel Marriage offers more than stories—it offers connection, rooted in Christ.

Listen to the full conversation in the player above.

Feature images: supplied by Third Space and used with permission