It starts with a cough. Honestly, most of us have seen enough movies to know that when a kid in a drama starts coughing, things are about to get heavy. In the 2020 film Lucy Shimmers and the Prince of Peace, that cough is the beginning of a story that’s basically designed to make you reach for the tissues. It’s one of those movies that popped up on streaming services and caught everyone by surprise with its sheer sincerity.
But if you’re looking for a simple breakdown of what actually happens—without the fluff—you’re in the right place. People often get confused about whether it’s a ghost story, a religious parable, or just a holiday tearjerker. It’s kinda all of the above.
The Heart of the Lucy Shimmers and the Prince of Peace Plot
The story centers on five-year-old Lucy Shimmers, played by Scarlett Diamond. She’s not your average kid. Lucy spends her time talking to her "imaginary friend," who happens to be her deceased grandfather, Jackson. He’s an angel now, though her parents—James and Isabelle—mostly just think she has a very active imagination.
Things take a turn when that persistent cough turns out to be severe pneumonia. Suddenly, Lucy is in the hospital right before Christmas. But instead of being scared, Lucy is on a mission. She’s convinced she’s there for a reason, specifically to help people. This is where we meet the "Prince of Peace" figure in the story: Edgar Ruiz.
Edgar is the complete opposite of Lucy. He’s a hardened criminal, a prisoner who is also in the hospital because his kidneys are failing. He’s angry. He’s lonely. He’s basically given up on life and has zero interest in a five-year-old girl’s optimism.
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Why Their Friendship Matters
The core of the movie is the unlikely bond between this innocent girl and a man the world has written off. Lucy doesn't see a criminal; she sees someone who needs a friend. She sneaks out of her bed to visit him, sharing her faith and telling him about Jesus (the "Prince of Peace" the title refers to).
It’s not just about religious conversion, though. It’s about human connection. Edgar has a broken relationship with his family, and Lucy becomes the bridge that starts to mend those ties.
What Really Happens in the End?
This is the part that catches people off guard. You expect a Christmas miracle where everyone gets better and goes home. But Lucy Shimmers and the Prince of Peace takes a much more emotional route.
Lucy’s condition doesn’t improve. It gets worse.
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As it becomes clear that Lucy isn't going to make it, she remains incredibly calm. She’s not afraid of death because she’s been talking to her Grandpa Jackson the whole time. In a move that usually causes a major medical ethics debate among viewers, Lucy makes it known that she wants to help Edgar.
When Lucy passes away, she ends up being the kidney donor that saves Edgar’s life.
The Fallout and the "Miracle"
Is it realistic? Medical experts would tell you that the logistics of a five-year-old donating a kidney to a grown man are... complicated, to say the least. But in the world of the film, it’s the ultimate act of selflessness.
Edgar gets a second chance at life, not just physically, but spiritually. He reconciles with his family. Lucy’s parents finally realize that their daughter wasn't just talking to herself—she really was seeing the other side.
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Addressing the Common Misconceptions
One thing people often get wrong is thinking this is based on a true story. It isn't. It’s a work of fiction written and directed by Rob Diamond. While it uses very grounded settings like hospitals and prison wards, the elements of the supernatural (the grandfather's ghost/angel) make it more of a modern-day parable.
Another point of contention is the title itself. Some viewers expect a literal prince to show up. "Prince of Peace" is a biblical title for Jesus, and the movie uses it to reflect Lucy’s mission to bring peace to those around her before she dies.
What to Take Away From the Film
If you're planning to watch it, or if you just finished it and are processing that ending, here’s the deal. The movie isn't trying to be a gritty medical drama. It’s an "inspirational" film in the truest sense.
- Forgiveness is a choice: Edgar’s transformation shows that it’s never too late to change, but you have to be willing to let someone in.
- Faith vs. Fear: Lucy’s lack of fear regarding her own death is meant to be a comfort to the audience, suggesting that there’s something beyond the hospital room.
- Small actions, big impact: A five-year-old changed the life of a criminal just by being kind.
To get the most out of the experience, focus on the performances of Vincent Vargas (Edgar) and Scarlett Diamond. Their chemistry is what keeps the movie from feeling too "hallmark-y" and gives it its emotional weight. If you're looking for more films with similar themes, you might check out The Shack or Miracles from Heaven, which both deal with grief and faith in a similar way.