critics consensus

Saint Frances approaches an array of weighty issues with empathy, humor, and grace -- and marks star and writer Kelly O'Sullivan as a tremendous talent to watch. Read critic reviews

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Saint Frances Photos

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Movie Info

After an abortion, a deadbeat nanny finds friendship with the 6-year-old she's hired to watch.

Genre:

drama, comedy
Original Language:

English
Director:

Alex Thompson
Producer:

James Choi
Writer:

Kelly O'Sullivan
Release Date (Theaters):

Feb 28, 2020 limited
Release Date (Streaming):

May 3, 2020
Box Office (Gross USA):

$16.1K
Runtime:

1h 46m

Cast & Crew

Kelly O'Sullivan
Maya

William Drain
Librarian

Laura T. Fisher
Donna

Mary Beth Fisher
Carol

Meighan Gerachis
Nurse tech

Francis Guinan
Dennis

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News & Interviews for Saint Frances

2021 Film Independent Spirit Awards Nominations Announced

The Indie Fresh List: Unwanted Pregnancy, Arrested Development, and a Remastered Anime Classic

The Invisible Man Is Certified Fresh

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Critic Reviews for Saint Frances

All Critics (97) | Top Critics (33) | Fresh (96) | Rotten (1)

Saint Frances is smart and original and anti-sensationalist. It is also a very good film, which speaks to you but never shouts.

February 5, 2021 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…

Will Gompertz
BBC.com
I do wish "Saint Frances" indulged in or two fewer getting-to-know-you montages. But I say that about most every movie that comes along, even the good ones.

February 5, 2021 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…

Michael Phillips
Chicago Tribune
[Kelly] O'Sullivan's screenplay, much like her performance, is sweet without ever turning sickly. Alex Thompson's direction, in turn, carefully matches her tone.

December 9, 2020 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…

Clarisse Loughrey
Independent (UK)
Like all the best films about fumbling your way through to deeper self-understanding, Saint Frances doesn't feel too programmed, and leaves a lot of mess on the table.

November 22, 2020 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…

Tim Robey
Daily Telegraph (UK)
Loosely structured, but satisfactory in its narrative shape, the picture deftly escorts us through the embarrassments and dilemmas of everyday life in a hipper part of Chicago.

August 14, 2020 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…

Donald Clarke
Irish Times
You could also describe it as the missing link between Bridesmaids and Roma.

July 27, 2020 | Rating: 5/5 | Full Review…

Charlotte O'Sullivan
London Evening Standard
Talking about awkward things without shame is what this film endorses - and does well.

February 5, 2021 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…

Markie Robson-Scott
The Arts Desk
Saint Frances is a fine addition to a new generation of American films that seek to break taboos on subjects too long considered untouchable.

February 5, 2021 | Full Review…

Shelagh Rowan-Legg
ScreenAnarchy
Effortlessly real and charming, Saint Frances is an absolute winner.

February 1, 2021 | Rating: 5/5 | Full Review…

Rhys Bowen Jones
Jump Cut
Saint Frances is a smart movie about empowerment, that doesn't feel like a message movie. It carefully studies life's most constant aspect, change.

January 29, 2021 | Rating: 3.5/5 | Full Review…

Richard Crouse
Richard Crouse
Saint Frances is one of far too few movies that approaches all of these realities with eyes wide open.

January 28, 2021 | Full Review…

Fletcher Powell
KMUW - Wichita Public Radio
Edgy feminist drama removes judgment from sex, abortion.

December 22, 2020 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review…

Tara McNamara
Common Sense Media

View All Critic Reviews (97)

Audience Reviews for Saint Frances

Jan 17, 2021

Ordinarily, there's a good chance I would've overlooked this film as it really didn't strike me as something of interest. However, some positive word of mouth and its availability on Netflix convinced me otherwise and I'm very glad I gave it a chance. This is a delightfully refreshing human story that's told with an abundance of wit and honesty and it's very positive to witness a female centric film that addresses everything from menstruation to abortion with a genuine honesty and nonjudgmental approach. Anchored by two performances of great substance and nuance by Kelly O'Sullivan (who also wrote the screenplay) and young Ramona Edith Williams as the titular Frances. Two superb performances that bring out the heart and soul of the film.

Mark W Super Reviewer