Prayers for Bobby

Play trailer

Prayers for Bobby

TV-PG

Released Jan 21, 2009

1h 30m

Drama

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

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.

Watch on Prime Video

Stream Now

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.

Read Critics Reviews

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

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

Read More

Read Less

POST RATING

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

Russell Mulcahy

Director

Sigourney Weaver

Mary Griffith

Henry Czerny

Robert Griffith

Ryan Kelley

Bobby Griffith

Dan Butler

Reverend Whitsell

Austin Nichols

Ed Griffith

Local Color

39%

59%

Local Color

Watchlist

The Merry Gentleman

65%

51%

The Merry Gentleman

Watchlist

The Stone Angel

46%

58%

The Stone Angel

Watchlist

Fireflies in the Garden

21%

45%

Fireflies in the Garden

Watchlist

Not Easily Broken

31%

67%

Not Easily Broken

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

View more photos

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

Most Popular at Home Now