In “Prayers for Bobby,” an original production from Lifetime Television,Sigourney Weaver plays Mary Griffith, an overly religious mother who goes on a journey of acceptance after she inadvertedly causes her gay son to commit suicide.
Based on the 1995 book of the same name by Leroy Aarons, itself based on a true story, the movie explores how Mary disapproves of her son’s sexual orientation and tries to change him through prayer and psychiatry. After his death, she questions her faith and eventually becomes an advocate for gay rights.
Narrowing down this tragic story and the many good things that resulted from it, into a mere 90 minutes isn’t easy, and at times, the film does feel very TV movie (the commerical break fade-outs are painfully obvious). But, some clichéd dialogue aside, Katie Ford’s script has many powerful moments and in its second half, becomes especially heart-wrenchingly emotional. Yes, the movie is often hard to watch and Mary’s grief and suffering will bring tears to even the coldest heart.
While the film is set in the 70s, it is still as relevant today. True, twenty-six years ago, when Bobby committed suicide, there were very few options for young gays and lesbians. While this has changed through time, even if Bobby were living today, it’s unlikely his life would be any easier, as the recent passing of Prop 8 so brutally tells us. That’s because he never found acceptance within his own family and, especially, from his mother, whose fundamentalism told her that her son was a sinner and would burn in hell unless he resisted “temptation.” Bobby did try to change who he was for her, but realized it was slowly killing him and couldn’t take it anymore.
What makes this film so powerful, and helps it rise above the average Lifetime movie, is the acting. Weaver, a Golden Globe winner and three-time Oscar nominee, delivers a powerful, poignant performance in her TV debut, a performance already being deemed Emmy-worthy. She brings so much dimension to a role that could easily have been played as a caricature as Mary goes through an incredibly challenging character arc from intolerant Christian to guilt-ridden mother to gay rights activist.
Ryan Kelley also does a terrific job portraying the range of emotions and thoughts that overwhelm Bobby, both while he is trying to live up to his mother’s beliefs, and later, when he is finally able to briefly free himself from family to discover who he is and ultimately realize his mother would never accept him. The scene of Bobby’s suicide is especially gut-wrenching.
In supporting roles, Henry Czerny is fantastic as the Mary’s husband, Bob Griffith; Austin Nichols is nicely subtle as Bobby’s older brother; and openly gay actor Dan Butler gives a gentle performance as the Metropolitan Community Church preacher who helps Mary on her way to tolerance.
There may be some flaws in Prayers for Bobby, but that doesn’t mean it won’t kick its audience in the emotional gut. Some awkward dialogue aside, the film is a universal story of a child trying to please a parent, and of a parent who learns that what she wants isn’t necessarily best for her child. People will have alot to learn from this.
This is a film everyone should see. Please tell family, friends, and all those in between to watch. It might change lives. For more information on the film, or to send feedback to filmmakers, visit the movie’s website.
CR: Fred Turd
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