Image Credit: Sony Pictures Release
The Netflix pipeline from Sony Pictures continues to bring the studio’s dramatic slate to the streaming service. The next title confirmed to debut in SVOD is Inspirational True Story soul is burningComing in early January.
Released theatrically in 2025 under Sony’s Affirm Films banner (the division behind such hit films) war Room And miracle from heaven), directed the film sean mcnamaraA filmmaker best known for soul Surfer and recent biopic reagan,
we can confirm this soul is burning Will be available to stream on Netflix US starting Thursday, January 8, 2026.
This comes just weeks after its recent VOD and physical release, as promoted by Joel Courtney in a recent Instagram post, the film premiered in theaters in the US and Canada in mid-October.
It received solid reviews from critics and audiences alike, leading to the release of the coveted new “Verified Hot” rotten tomatoesWhere it sits at an incredible 98%. in the middle NYC Movie Guru receives positive reviewswho wrote, “A warm and big-hearted, but often preachy biopic about overcoming adversity that’s so saccharine it might give you cavities. Mary Poppins didn’t sing, “Just a cup of sugar makes the medicine go down.” All you need is a spoonful.”
What is the true story behind this soul is burning,
The film is based on the best-selling memoir On fire By John O’LearyIt tells the tragic and uplifting true story of O’Leary, who was left with 100% burns in a garage fire at the age of nine and less than a 1% chance of survival,
Rather than a tragedy, the film presents their journey as a celebration of community and resilience. It details the months of painful recovery, the frontline workers and family members who rallied around him, and his ultimate path to finding a life of purpose.
The official summary describes it as:
“An emotional and faith-filled portrait of resilience. As John O’Leary struggles to survive, he ultimately discovers what it truly means to live. From frontline workers to family members and the support of the broader community, this film is a celebration of heroes.”
Who is in the cast?
The film stars a mix of seasoned actors and rising stars who bring the real-life account of John O’Leary’s life to the screen:
- joel courtney (Netflix kissing booth, super 8) leads the film as John O’Leary.
- John Corbett ,my big fat greek wedding, To all the boys I’ve loved before) plays John’s father, Denny O’Leary.
- Stephanie Szostak ,a million little things) plays his mother, Susan O’Leary.
- William H. Macy ,shameless, fargo) plays Jack Buck, the famous sportscaster who was instrumental in John’s recovery.
- devon franklin ,jesus revolution) plays Nurse Roy, a prominent figure during O’Leary’s time at the hospital.
- macy mclean ,I am not ashamed) plays John’s wife, Beth O’Leary.
As mentioned, the film was directed by Sean McNamara, a veteran of the genre who has a track record of adapting incredible survival stories to the screen (notably the story of Bethany Hamilton, soul SurferThe screenplay was adapted by Gregory Poirier. It was produced by the team of Huntington Productions and Branded Pictures Entertainment, distributed by Sony Pictures.
Image: Sony Pictures Release
Will you be watching the true story of John O’Leary? soul is burning This January? Let us know in the comments below and keep it locked to What’s on Netflix here for more details on what’s coming in January 2026.