Synopsis
Will Hawkins (Kevin Quinn) is in trouble. Again. It’s what he does best. A foster kid since he was ten, he’s
been in and out of more homes and schools than his caseworker can count. After his final run-in with the law,
he has a choice to make – go to juvie or a Christian summer camp. Both sounding equally awful he chooses
the one where he can at least bring his guitar, one of the last items given to him by his deceased father. A
stark fish-out-of-water compared to the other camp residents, he lies about his background to try and fit in,
especially with his newfound crush on camp regular Avery (Bailee Madison). But can he keep this up? Does
he want to? Will he ever be able to replace the family he lost? With catchy musical numbers and songs by
prominent Christian Contemporary Artists and the creative team from High School Musical and Camp Rock,
A Week Away comes to life as the first faith-based film of its kind. A Week Away also stars Jahbril Cook, Kat
Conner Sterling, Iain Tucker with David Koechner, and Sherri Shepherd.
Is This Your Typical Christian Movie?
With all honesty, I was quite delighted with the breath of fresh air we thought that “A Week Away” brought to the table. And I say that because your typical Christian movies are usually centered around a wife and a husband getting through turmoils, or kids getting over certain addictions, etc.
I also say that since my husband is a youth pastor, and I was also once a youth pastor. When we used to introduce Christian movies to our teens, the reaction was quite the same. It was either too cheesy or they just didn’t relate to what was going on with the film. After watching “A Week Away” we both felt this was something different and something that most pre-teens and teens would relate to as we literally have Summer Camp every Summer.
Music Is Everything
With “A Week Away” we loved that the film incorporated a music aspect to it, the film incorporates not only secular music but also has faith-based songs. And can you believe it they actually have choreography to all the songs! Now, this film took me back to my days of High School Musical because it has some of those vibes however we loved how unique “A Week Away” storyline was and how they can do storytelling via the music.
Not to mention the cast is super talented in performing and singing these songs, for some of the cast this was their first time they had even acted or sung in a film.
Netflix Is Tapping Into A New Audience
What I love about movies like “A Week Away” is that we are reaching a huge audience that is sometimes left out of experiencing their own types of films and that is Gen Z. Pre-teens and Teens do well with films that they can relate to. Whether it’s real-life experiences or things they have gone through in their own life, it’s always good to see films with positive messages or messages of encouragement.
In A Week Away we see how Bailey you typical what seems perfect life teen interacts with Will a troubled teen trying to get through some of his own struggles and how they can help each other. In an age where our kids are going through so much in the world, dealing with pandemics, trying to find themselves and their voice, and navigating the stages of love and dating.
We loved how this film brought all of that together into one. Now, this film isn’t just for those that are faith-based, this film is great for everyone and its principles and well exceptional music and dance.
Interviews
Recently I had the opportunity to chat with some of the cast members of the film Kevin Quinn “Will”
Kevin Quinn is a standout actor and musician who has captured audiences with his charismatic
performances both on screen and on stage.
Bailee Madison “Avery”
Bailee Madison is an intriguing young Generation Z multi-hyphenate. Acting since the age of 7 she has
already amassed an impressive list of credits and achievements. She made her feature debut in “Lonely
Hearts” opposite Salma Hayek, John Travolta, and James Gandolfini and hasn’t stopped since.
Jahbril Cook “George”
Jahbril Cook is a talented young Black/Filipino performer. Jahbril grew up in Juneau, Alaska, and studied
acting and playwriting at Columbia University. His first upcoming project is a lead in “A Week Away: The
Musical” on Netflix, opposite Bailee Madison and Kevin Quinn (March 26th). Next up is a supporting lead in
the Disney Channel Original Movie, “SPIN” coming this summer.
Kat Conner Sterling “Presley”
Kat Conner Sterling originates from Memphis, TN. She began working in professional theatre at the age of
13 and continued to perform and study theatre throughout her life. She ventured into film and television in
2019 as she began acting in notable shows such as Marvel’s THE GIFTED, and FOX’s 9-1-1. She went on to
win the role of Presley in NETFLIX’s A WEEK AWAY after sending in a self-tape for a national open call.
Producers and casting loved her audition so much that she was booked straight from tape without a
callback.
Check out what they had to say about the film!
A Week Away is now streaming on Netflix!
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