Sundance Review: "A Little Prayer"

It's a truth universally acknowledged that people can be nice. But what about when they're not? In A Little Prayer, a film that premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, a family in a small town in North Carolina grapples with a series of problems that test their limits. The father suspects his son is cheating on his wife and makes it his mission to end the affair. It's a personal and authentic story that Angus MacLachlan spent six years creating, and it explores the complexities of family relationships and the importance of exploring tough topics.

Watching A Little Prayer was like looking into a mirror, and I was grateful for the opportunity to see it at Sundance. The film exhibits a range of emotions within a family, but some topics could have been developed more. The acting in A Little Prayer is superb, particularly from David Strathairn, who gives an earnest performance that showcases his growth as an actor. As the head of the household, Bill struggles to care for his family and worries that he's not a good father. But he proves himself wrong.

The ensemble of actors in A Little Prayer is strong, and they construct believable relationships despite having little rehearsal time. The film also explores the rarely depicted bond between a father-in-law and daughter-in-law, and it's refreshing to see a healthy in-law relationship on screen. Bill and Tammy's relationship was my favorite part of A Little Prayer. They were sweet and looked out for one another. More films need to explore this relationship.

However, some scenes in A Little Prayer are too short and cut away too quickly. And while the film touches on important issues like David's PTSD and abortion, some of these topics could have been built up more. David's PTSD is an important detail that was only talked about once towards the end. I didn't realize that David was struggling with PTSD. Mentioning it earlier could have helped me understand his character a lot better.

Despite its flaws, A Little Prayer is a powerful film that tackles serious issues. It handles the topic of abortion carefully, knowing that it will provoke discussion among audiences. It's a brave move that will not be well-received by everyone, but it's an important issue that cannot be avoided. By watching this film, together we can discuss our opinions.

A Little Prayer is a personal and authentic story that MacLachlan spent six years creating. The characters were the most important element for Maclachlan, hoping that audiences would connect. Displaying an array of feelings in a family, the film has a quiet tone, but there is so much more to it. MacLachlan filmed A Little Prayer in North Carolina, where he grew up. He wanted to portray the film naturally, and he succeeded in authenticity. The experience moved him so much as to what the film interprets to viewers.

It's clear that A Little Prayer is a must-see film that will leave you with plenty to think about. It explores tough topics and encourages discussion, making it a film that is sure to stay with you long after the credits roll. While it's true that people can be nice, it's not always the case. And sometimes, it's important to confront the not-so-nice things in life in order to move forward. A Little Prayer does just that.

Apart from the performances, the plot of the film is engaging, as it follows the ups and downs of a family in a small town. The father's suspicion that his son is cheating on his wife leads him to try and put a stop to the affair, which sets off a chain of events that challenge the family's bonds. The film touches on themes of love, loss, and forgiveness, which are all presented in a nuanced and thought-provoking way.

One of the standout elements of the film is the strong ensemble of actors, who all deliver powerful performances. David Strathairn, who plays the father, gives a nuanced and emotional performance that showcases his range as an actor. Jane Levy, who plays the daughter-in-law, is equally impressive, delivering a captivating monologue in the film's climax.

The film also features an array of talented supporting actors, including Will Pulton, Celia Weston, Anna Camp, Billie Roy, Ashley Shelton, and Dascha Polanco. Despite having limited rehearsal time before filming, the actors constructed believable relationships on screen, highlighting what family is all about.

Moreover, A Little Prayer explores an often-overlooked relationship, that of a father-in-law and a daughter-in-law. This is a rare relationship that is rarely explored in films, and it is refreshing to witness a healthy and loving relationship between the two characters. The bond between Bill and Tammy is one of the film's highlights, as the two characters look out for each other and care deeply for one another.

The film's portrayal of David's PTSD is another noteworthy aspect. Though this detail is only mentioned once towards the end of the film, it is a crucial element that could have been built up more. By mentioning David's PTSD earlier in the film, the audience could have had a better understanding of his character and his struggles.

In terms of its production, A Little Prayer is an authentic and personal film that was six years in the making. The film was shot in North Carolina, where the director, Angus MacLachlan, grew up. MacLachlan's personal connection to the film is evident, as he portrays the story in a natural and authentic way. The film's quiet tone adds to its sincerity and the experience of watching it is sure to move viewers.

While A Little Prayer tackles a serious topic about abortion that may be polarizing for some audiences, the film handles this storyline with care and respect. This storyline was filmed on the day the Wade vs. Roe law was overturned in June 2022, which adds to the emotional weight of the film. The film's approach to serious topics allows viewers to discuss their opinions and engage in meaningful conversations.

In conclusion, A Little Prayer is a powerful and moving film that explores the complex and emotional dynamics of a family in a small town. With its impressive ensemble of actors and engaging plot, the film showcases the depth and range of emotions that families can experience. Though certain elements could have been developed more, the film's authenticity and personal connection to the director make it a worthwhile watch. Overall, A Little Prayer is a beautifully crafted and thought-provoking film that is sure to resonate with audiences.