By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
"A LITTLE PRAYER" EXAMINES SECRETS, SILENCE, AND SOUTHERN GRACE
"A Little Prayer," from director
Angus MacLachlan ("Abundant Acreage Available") stars David Strathairn ("The Luckiest Man in America") and Anna Camp (TV's "You") in a hearty drama where faith and family collide, unraveling secrets that test their bonds and force them to confront difficult truths.
Life is complicated. No one knows this better than Bill (Strathairn), a soft-spoken patriarch in a small town trying to hold his family together as cracks begin to show. It starts with his alcoholic and PTSD-afflicted son David (Will Pullen, TV's "Dope Thief"). He and his wife, Tammy (Jane Levy, "Atropia") live with Bill and his quick-witted wife, Venida (Celia Weston, "You're Cordially Invited").
Bill is in a bit of a bind. When he discovers that David is having an affair with the company secretary Narcedalia (Dascha Polanco, TV's "The Walking Dead: Dead City"), he can't decide whether to confront David about it or if he should leave it alone and mind his own business.
Adding to the dysfunctional family dynamic is Bill's daughter Patti (Anna Camp, "Bride Hard"), who once again is having marital problems and shows up at their house with her young daughter Hadley (Billie Roy, TV’s "The Waterfront"). As full as Patti's minivan is, she might be staying with them even longer this time.
In addition to directing, MacLachlan also wrote "A Little Prayer" and his intimate storytelling style shines here. He has created a drama that feels both specific and universal.
The movie simmers its way through its quiet revelation. The Southern setting is more than just scenery; it reflects the culture of politeness and restraint that often prevents people from saying what they really mean. The film's restraint, however, never comes off as pat or glib. Instead, it draws you closer.
David Strathairn gives another nuanced performance. He portrays Bill not as a villain or hero, but as a man drowning in his own principles. He is both a moral compass and a flawed individual torn between doing what's right and protecting his family.
Jane Levy also impresses as Tammy, particularly in the film's hushed moments, where her character's strength and weariness register with sincerity.
In addition, Anna Camp brings a sharp mix of exasperation and vulnerability to Patti, balancing the story's heavier themes with subtle humor and warmth.
"A Little Prayer" juggles a lot of issues and asks big questions about forgiveness, personal responsibility, and the burden of secrets. It floats softly like a whispered confession in a quiet room.
Editor's Note: Be sure to catch my N2Entertainment.net movie talk segment on the Kitty O'Neal Show Fridays now at 5:17 p.m. and 6:47 p.m. on radio station KFBK 93.1 FM and 1530 AM.
Go Ahead And Watch This Trailer For
"A LITTLE PRAYER"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), The American Film Institute (AFI), and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image Awards.
