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A Prayer for the Dying

Play trailer Poster for A Prayer for the Dying 2026 1h 35m Drama Mystery & Thriller Play Trailer Watchlist
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In the aftermath of the Civil War, A PRAYER FOR THE DYING follows veteran Jacob Hansen, whose American dream of a new life in Friendship, Wisconsin quickly becomes a nightmare. When a deadly epidemic and threatening wildfire spread chaos, Jacob -- serving as sheriff, undertaker, and pastor -- must fight to save his town, his family, and his soul.

Critics Reviews

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Lou Thomas Time Out Feb 17
4/5
Flynn is great as the tormented sheriff, while Reilly maintains his hit-rate of dependably unfussy performances. There’s much to recommend about this astute work. Go to Full Review Leslie Felperin The Hollywood Reporter Feb 17
"Prayer" will definitely make a name for, or at least cement the reputations of, many of the talents attached to it. That goes especially for writer-director Dara Van Dusen. Go to Full Review Guy Lodge Variety Feb 14
It’s an imposing, ascetic debut, braced by performances of formidable grit and commitment from Johnny Flynn and John C. Reilly. Go to Full Review Sarah Manvel Movies We Texted About May 16
A Prayer for the Dying manages to take the story of one small town and turn it into an allegory for all of us. It has an unusual beauty and staying power that many films with bigger oomph in the moment lack entirely. Go to Full Review James Mottram Radio Times Apr 10
2/5
Reilly brings his usual quirky charm, but even he can't save this from its largely soporific feel. An inventive, try-hard movie that sadly never comes off. Go to Full Review Jack Walters Loud and Clear Reviews Feb 17
3/5
"A Prayer for the Dying starts with a great idea and displays some visionary direction, but the writing quickly crumbles under the weight of its own ambition." Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Cast & Crew

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Dara Van Dusen

Director

Johnny Flynn

Jacob Hansen

John C. Reilly

Doc

Kristine Kujath Thorp

Marta Hansen

Gustav Lindh

Harlow

Hilton Pelser

Chase
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A Prayer for the Dying

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Movie Info

Synopsis In the aftermath of the Civil War, A PRAYER FOR THE DYING follows veteran Jacob Hansen, whose American dream of a new life in Friendship, Wisconsin quickly becomes a nightmare. When a deadly epidemic and threatening wildfire spread chaos, Jacob -- serving as sheriff, undertaker, and pastor -- must fight to save his town, his family, and his soul.
Director
Dara Van Dusen
Producer
Dyveke Bjørkly Graver
Screenwriter
Stewart O'Nan, Dara Van Dusen, Dara Van Dusen
Production Co
Eye Eye Pictures
Genre
Drama, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language
English
Runtime
1h 35m
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