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Prayers for Bobby

Play trailer Poster for Prayers for Bobby TV-PG Released Jan 21, 2009 1h 30m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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73% Tomatometer 15 Reviews 86% Popcornmeter 1,000+ Ratings
In this adaptation of a true story, devout Christian Mary Griffith (Sigourney Weaver) fights to "cure" her gay son, Bobby (Ryan Kelley). Although he tries to please his mother, Bobby cannot change his lifestyle, and his depression leads to suicide. Mary questions her faith and searches for comfort, but after the church is unable to help her cope with Bobby's death, she seeks to understand her opinions on homosexuality for herself. Eventually, Mary becomes an advocate for gay rights.
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Prayers for Bobby

Prayers for Bobby

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Critics Consensus

A devastating true story and terrific performance by Sigourney Weaver give Prayers for Bobby palpable power, although some viewers may find this well-intentioned film too calculating in its efforts to wring tears.

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Critics Reviews

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Gail Pennington St. Louis Post-Dispatch Poignant but as heavy handed as an old after-school special. It delivers an important message, but I wonder whether those who need to hear it will stick around long enough to listen. Oct 3, 2019 Full Review New York Post Staff New York Post The cast is just perfect -- not a missed beat. And Weaver? She puts in a performance that is right up there with her best work. Oct 3, 2019 Full Review Joanne Ostrow Denver Post It doesn't mean to feel maniacally manipulative. It just happened that way... Sigourney Weaver is the film's strength; the neat Lifetime tie-a- ribbon ending is its biggest weakness. Oct 3, 2019 Full Review Mark A. Perigard Boston Herald Here's the obvious question: What is Sigourney Weaver doing in a Lifetime movie? Answer: Giving one heartrending performance. Oct 15, 2019 Full Review Michael Abernethy PopMatters Weaver gives what is undeniably one of her best performances. Oct 3, 2019 Full Review Chris Hicks Deseret News (Salt Lake City) A nice showcase for Weaver, a sensitive story given the light Lifetime touch. Have a box of Kleenex nearby. Oct 3, 2019 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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PridePosterStudios A child is listening Never cried more at a film. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 04/24/24 Full Review Alexandra H I was totally in this movie all the way through. A very realistic depiction of family life with particularly difficult challenges. Sigourney Weaver, as always, was great! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/20/23 Full Review Audience Member Very informative. Made me cry Rated 4 out of 5 stars 07/22/20 Full Review Audience Member Leaving not a dry eye in the house is Sigourney Weaver's performance as a mother who came to a rude conclusion that it is her ignorance and nonacceptance that drives her gay son to suicide. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/22/23 Full Review kirby p The production values are low enough here that some of the edits are startling and some of the acting is wooden, but the story is so strong as to overcome much of that. Of course, I would have been FAR less forgiving of the church for its role here than Mary Griffith was. Why do people refuse to see the evil that religion does in the world? Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member Note to self: Bring entire box of tissues. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/31/23 Full Review Read all reviews
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Prayers for Bobby

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Movie Info

Synopsis In this adaptation of a true story, devout Christian Mary Griffith (Sigourney Weaver) fights to "cure" her gay son, Bobby (Ryan Kelley). Although he tries to please his mother, Bobby cannot change his lifestyle, and his depression leads to suicide. Mary questions her faith and searches for comfort, but after the church is unable to help her cope with Bobby's death, she seeks to understand her opinions on homosexuality for herself. Eventually, Mary becomes an advocate for gay rights.
Director
Russell Mulcahy
Producer
Damian Ganczewski
Screenwriter
Katie Ford
Production Co
Once Upon a Time Films, Sladek / Taaffe Productions, Permut Presentations
Rating
TV-PG
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jan 21, 2009, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Jan 19, 2017
Runtime
1h 30m
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