NEW YORK – Actress Kelly Reilly, who plays Sonja Burpo in “Heaven is for Real,” says she could relate to the struggle of the real-life mother whose four-year-old son had a near-death experience.
Reilly and Greg Kinnear portray Colton Burpo’s parents in the movie based on the Nebraska family’s story.
“Heaven is for Real” was the most popular new film in theaters last weekend, and has grossed more than $34 million so far. Reilly believes that’s partially because it’s a movie parents can see with their children.
She adds that filmgoers who don’t share the Burpos’ Christian faith might still appreciate the struggle the family had reconciling their faith with Colton’s memories of being with Jesus and deceased relatives. Reilly says, “I can relate to that.”
