What if the story you were sent to debunk turned out to be the one you needed to hear?
Jacob the Baker is based on an international bestselling book series. A young, skeptical reporter is assigned to interview the author of those books, Noah benShea, and she discovers the incredible story of how the author and his fictional character, Jacob, provide help and hope to countless people around the world. In the interview, the reporter’s own secret struggle comes to light, and she begins to reconsider the author and her own life. It is available on Next Level Soul, and the trailer above gives a first look.
This guide is our review, with a look at the film’s themes of hope, story and service.
What the film is about
The story follows two threads that slowly meet. One is the reporter, who approaches her assignment with healthy skepticism. The other is the author, Noah benShea, and the beloved character at the center of his books, Jacob, who has become a source of help and hope for readers.
As the interview unfolds, the reporter’s own private struggle comes into view. What began as a routine job becomes a quiet turning point, and she is invited to look at her life differently.
Review: a story about stories
The film uses a familiar and effective structure: the skeptic who is changed by what she finds. It works because the skepticism feels genuine. The reporter asks real questions, and the film allows the answers to unfold at a human pace.
Its central idea is that a story can be a form of service. A fictional character can carry encouragement to people in the middle of difficult seasons, and that encouragement is real even though the character is not. The film treats that possibility with sincerity.
The tone is gentle and hopeful. It is not a film of big twists. It is a film about the quiet moments when a person realizes they are not alone, and it trusts those moments to carry the weight.
A balanced note: if you prefer high-concept spiritual cinema, this will feel simpler and more intimate. For viewers who want warmth and encouragement, that simplicity is the appeal.
The big ideas underneath the film
Hope can be passed from one person to another. The author’s work shows how encouragement, shared widely, can reach people in ways its creator never planned. Hope behaves like a gift that grows when given.
Skepticism and openness can coexist. The reporter does not abandon her questions. She lets them lead her to deeper understanding. That is a healthy model for anyone exploring spiritual material.
Our private struggles shape how we see others. The reporter’s own hidden difficulty influences how she receives the story. The film reminds us that we listen through our own experience.
Story is a way of care. Whether told in books, films or conversations, stories can steady people. The film invites you to think about which stories have carried you.
Bringing the film into your own life
Think about the stories that have helped you through a hard season. A book, a song, a line from a friend. Consider sending a note of thanks to the person behind one of them.
To build a daily habit of noticing what is good, try our guide to the power of gratitude. For a closer look at turning inspiration into direction, see living with purpose, and mindfulness in daily life offers ways to stay present when life feels heavy.
How to watch it well
Watch on a calm evening, and let the story unfold without rushing.
- Which story has been a source of help or hope for me?
- What am I carrying quietly that I might share with someone safe?
- How could I offer hope to another person this week?
The power is within you, and sometimes a good story is what helps you remember it.
Who will connect with this film
It is for readers who love inspiring stories, for anyone going through a quiet struggle, and for people who want an uplifting film to share with family and friends.
Keep Exploring
Keep exploring with the power of gratitude, living with purpose and mindfulness in daily life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jacob the Baker about?
It follows a skeptical young reporter who interviews the author of a bestselling book series and discovers how the author and his character, Jacob, bring help and hope to people around the world.
Is Jacob the Baker based on a book series?
Yes. It is based on an international bestselling book series.
Where can I watch Jacob the Baker?
It is available on Next Level Soul. Watch the trailer on this page and find the full film on NLS TV. Watch Jacob the Baker on Next Level Soul TV.
What themes does the film explore?
Hope, the power of story and how our private struggles shape the way we see others.
Is it a good film for families?
It has a gentle, uplifting tone and is a good fit for sharing with family and friends.
Do I need to know the books first?
No. The film introduces the author and Jacob through the reporter’s eyes.
