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Prayers for Bobby

Play trailer Poster for Prayers for Bobby TV-PG 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 10/03/2019
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. Go to Full Review New York Post Staff New York Post 10/03/2019
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. Go to Full Review Joanne Ostrow Denver Post 10/03/2019
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. Go to Full Review Mark A. Perigard Boston Herald 10/15/2019
Here's the obvious question: What is Sigourney Weaver doing in a Lifetime movie? Answer: Giving one heartrending performance. Go to Full Review Michael Abernethy PopMatters 10/03/2019
Weaver gives what is undeniably one of her best performances. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Mohammad U @uzair569 Jan 27 I saw a clip of this movie on Instagram reels and decided to watch it, and my gosh... as a closeted gay man in a muslim household i resonated with this movie so much. I was violently sobbing at the end. This movie is written and produced so perfectly. It captures its audience and shines a spotlight on issues that are still relevant, even in 2026. See more PridePosterStudios @RT04271525 09/20/2023 A child is listening Never cried more at a film. See more Alexandra H @RT99463632 09/20/2023 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! See more 07/22/2020 Very informative. Made me cry See more Fong Kok Hoong F @RT29722865 12/29/2016 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. See more kirby p @RT22297428 09/05/2016 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? See more Read all reviews
Prayers for Bobby

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Cast & Crew

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Russell Mulcahy

Director

Sigourney Weaver

Mary Griffith

Henry Czerny

Robert Griffith

Ryan Kelley

Bobby Griffith

Dan Butler

Reverend Whitsell

Austin Nichols

Ed Griffith

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Prayers for Bobby

Prayers for Bobby (2009) Prayers for Bobby (2009) View more photos

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
Permut Presentations, Sladek / Taaffe Productions, Once Upon a Time Films
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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