Abby Ryder Fortson, Alex Roe and Jessica Rothe star in a scene from the movie "Forever My Girl." The Catholic News Service classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. (CNS/Roadside Attractions)

By Catholic News Service

Gentle adaptation of Heidi McLaughlin’s romance novel has an aspiring country music star (Alex Roe) returning to his small Louisiana hometown when a high school classmate dies, only to learn that he has a 7-year-old daughter with his ex-fiancee. This forces him into finally making adult decisions.

Writer-director Bethany Ashton Wolf plays up the romantic and faith-based elements to smooth over stilted performances and unrealistic dialogue.

Adult themes of life and death, references to excessive alcohol use. Catholic News Service classification, A-II — adults and adolescents. Motion Picture Association of America rating, PG — parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

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