Watch Prayers for Bobby

Prayers for Bobby is a powerful and emotional movie based on the true story of Bobby Griffith, a young gay man who struggled with acceptance from his conservative family and ultimately took his own life. The film follows his mother, Mary (played brilliantly by Sigourney Weaver), as she tries to come to terms with her own beliefs and the impact they had on her son.

Mary is a devout Christian and a pillar of her community, but her beliefs lead her to reject her son when he comes out to her. Bobby's coming out is met with hostility from his father and brothers as well, leaving him feeling isolated and alone. Despite Bobby's attempts to reconcile with his family, their disapproval and rejection push him further into depression.

As Bobby's mental health deteriorates, Mary begins to question her own beliefs and seeks guidance from her church. She comes to realize that her son was not a "sinner" or an "abomination," but a human being who deserved love and acceptance. Her journey towards acceptance is both heartbreaking and inspiring, as Weaver delivers a powerful and nuanced performance that captures the complexity of a mother's love and the pain of regret.

Henry Czerny plays Bobby's father, who struggles with his own internalized homophobia and his inability to understand his son. Ryan Kelley is equally impressive as Bobby, whose painful journey towards self-acceptance and love is tragically cut short.

Prayers for Bobby is not only a compelling drama, but also an important film that addresses the devastating impact of homophobia and intolerance. It shines a light on the damaging effects of religious dogma and the importance of acceptance and compassion. The film is a call for empathy and understanding, urging viewers to recognize the humanity in all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Director Russell Mulcahy does an excellent job of balancing the emotional weight of this story with moments of hope and inspiration. The film is shot with a strong visual style that focuses on the characters and their relationships, with a particular emphasis on Mary's internal struggle. The use of flashbacks and dream sequences provide insight into Bobby's life and add to the emotional impact of the film.

Overall, Prayers for Bobby is a powerful and poignant film that addresses important issues with sensitivity and complexity. It is a film that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll, leaving them with a message of hope and a reminder of the importance of acceptance and love.

Prayers for Bobby is a 2009 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0.