Shadowlands portrays the joy and pain of the relationship between C. S. Lewis and American writer Joy Gresham. A growing friendship led to a marriage of convenience. The Oxford professor wed the single mother in a secret, civil ceremony so that Joy could gain English citizenship. Eventually it was discovered that Joy had terminal cancer, and Lewis realized his love for her.

Joy's cancer went into temporary remission, and for a season she and Lewis experienced the depth of committed Christian love. During this time, an Anglican priest talked with Lewis about prayer. In their conversation, we hear a mature description of how prayer works.

The Priest said, "I know how hard you've been praying. And now God is answering your prayer."

Lewis responded, "That's not why I pray, Harry. I pray because I can't help myself. I pray because I'm helpless. I pray… because the need flows out of me all the time…, waking and sleeping. It doesn't change God, it changes me."

Elapsed time: From the opening credit, 01:29:35 to 01:30:15

Content: Rated PG