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Saturday Church

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2:04

Saturday Church

Released Jan 12, 2018

1h 22m

Drama

Musical

LGBTQ+

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

93%

Tomatometer

29 Reviews

70%

Popcornmeter

100+ Ratings

Ulysses is a shy and effeminate boy who finds himself coping with new responsibilities as man of the house after the death of his father. Living alongside his mother, younger brother, and conservative aunt, Ulysses is also struggling with questions about his gender identity. He finds an escape by creating a world of fantasy filled with dance and music. Ulysses' journey takes a turn for the better when he finds a vibrant transgender community.

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Critics Consensus

A remarkable debut feature for writer-director Damon Cardasis, Saturday Church explores gender identity with wisdom and striking sensitivity.

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Tatiana Craine

Village Voice

A sensitive look at a young man's exploration of his identity and sexuality.

Jan 16, 2018

Full Review

Sheila O'Malley

RogerEbert.com

A sweet film with a purity of purpose and intent, elevating it above other films portraying similar struggles.

Rated: 3/4

Jan 12, 2018

Full Review

Sara Stewart

New York Post

Under the generous debut direction of Damon Cardasis, there's enough heart and raw truth here to uplift the moments that falter.

Rated: 3/4

Jan 11, 2018

Full Review

M.V. Moorhead

Phoenix Magazine

The two styles -- naturalistic drama and extravagant musical -- coexist a little awkwardly in the same movie, but the result is heartfelt and original.

Jan 7, 2020

Full Review

Tori Brazier

One Room With A View

Saturday Church may not be the type of musical destined to be put on in schools, but is certainly the type of film that demands to be made - and seen.

Rated: 4/5

Feb 22, 2019

Full Review

Douglas Davidson

Pretty Vacant One

We're all in search of something, and with a story like Saturday Church, [Damon] Cardasis may just empower someone else can find their way to live courageously, too.

Rated: 4.5/5

Nov 4, 2018

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PridePosterStudios

The songs are so bad they made my ears go straight

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

05/12/24

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Audience Member

Horrid choice from Amazon Prime.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

02/26/23

Full Review

Audience Member

I really liked it...there were some sad and perhaps even disturbing moments...but without them, the movie would have lacked depth. Being a fan of "POSE" I recognized several members of the cast. I thought it was sincere, heartfelt, moving, frustrating, Auntie made me mad, but there was even loving moments and wonderful self discovery. Good movie!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/27/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This has nothing to do with the purpose of the story because it is sooo heartbreaking. With that said, it felt like a PG-13 version of a rated R story, in the sense that it felt more like a Disney movie about a social topic, rather than an adult movie about a social topic. I wanted to dive deeper into the character's life, but it never felt "deep" enough. I blame the singing for that, so awkward and cheesy... but stylistic, I guess.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

02/07/23

Full Review

john e

Sweet and heartbreaking. Luka Kain is perfect as the central character, and one can never sing the praises of Mj Rodriguez enough. The musical numbers come in a little awkwardly, but it works. I absolutely loved the film and know that it will stay with me.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Interesting movie with storyline and acting. We enjoyed this movie.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/20/23

Full Review

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Damon Cardasis

Director

Luka Kain

Ulysses

Margot Bingham

Amara

Regina Taylor

Aunt Rose

Marquis Rodriguez

Raymond

Michaela Rodriguez

Ebony

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Saturday Church: Trailer 1

2:04

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Synopsis

Ulysses is a shy and effeminate boy who finds himself coping with new responsibilities as man of the house after the death of his father. Living alongside his mother, younger brother, and conservative aunt, Ulysses is also struggling with questions about his gender identity. He finds an escape by creating a world of fantasy filled with dance and music. Ulysses' journey takes a turn for the better when he finds a vibrant transgender community.

Director: Damon Cardasis
Producer: Mandy Tagger Brockey, Adi Ezroni, Damon Cardasis, Rebecca Miller
Screenwriter: Damon Cardasis
Distributor: Samuel Goldwyn Films
Production Co: Samuel Goldwyn Films, Spring Pictures, Round Films
Genre: Drama, Musical, LGBTQ+
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 12, 2018, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 12, 2018
Runtime: 1h 22m

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