Paula Patton Talks New Movie, ‘Finding Faith,’ & Sobriety Journey

Turning pain into purpose is no easy feat and Paula Patton‘s latest film, Finding Faith, explores how grief can lead someone to their lowest point.

The beloved actress, known for roles in Precious, Jumping the Broom and Just Wright, shows her range in this new film as she plays Faith Mitchell, a wife and mother whose life changes in an instant after a sudden tragedy. The devastation leads her into a downward spiral of grief that turns her world upside down, forcing her to fight to ground herself again.

HelloBeautiful‘s Char Masona chatted with the actress and producer about leading in and producing films, and her pathway back to herself after experiencing her own low points in her life—including her decision to become sober seven years ago.

“Finding Faith”

“Life had thrown me some curveballs, and I had a lot of challenges and pain. I didn’t know how to cope with my feelings, so I was drinking to numb the pain,” the actress said. “Then, I had this sort of a-ha moment where I was like, ‘I can’t do this anymore,’ and what’s interesting is that when that happened, the journey to faith started.”

The SAG nominee also shared how this project has helped her. “Whether it be talking about it with people or people watching it, it reminds yet again to have faith in God and to trust that no matter how bleak it may seem, there is always a light  at the end of the tunnel.” 

Patton shared the screen with many familiar faces, including three-time Emmy winner Keith David, Being Mary Jane’s Stephen Bishop and Loretta Devine, who plays her mother-in-law once again—just as she did in Jumping the Broom.

“It’s amazing because we actually love each other in real life,” Patton said about working with Devine. “When I called to ask if she would read [the script], she called me back four hours later and said yes.”

Watch more of our conversation with Paula Patton above.