A Little Prayer is one of those films that seems simple at first glance, but it’s actually quite complex and emotionally profound. The title hints at the heavy emotional burden of things left unsaid. Bill (David Strathairn) is a man in his 70s who tends to keep to himself, struggling with feelings of helplessness while his adult children face serious challenges such as infidelity and addiction.

We’ve seen plenty of films about father-son/daughter dynamic, but A Little Prayer offers something unique as it explores the close bond between a man, Bill, and his daughter-in-law, Tammy (Jane Levy). We first meet Tammy at the beginning of the film, waking up next to her hubby David (Will Pullen), and later enjoy her first morning coffee with her father-in-law, Bill. It’s clear from small details and body language that Bill and Tammy have a great rapport. They listen to an unseen woman’s singing in the distance, which sounds a bit like a hymn, prompting Bill to do a bit of singing himself.

Neither of them is bothered by the singing, unlike Bill’s wife Venida (Celia Weston, effortlessly provides the comic relief), who can’t stand it. The first 15 minutes or so feel like a slice of life in this simple Southern family in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where writer/director Angus MacLachlan is from. Bill feels like a fully-realized character that could’ve been inspired by someone MacLachlan knows in real life. He’s a Vietnam veteran who owns and runs his own sheet metal company with his son, David, who had served in Iraq.

MacLachlan’s script is rich in subtlety, encouraging viewers to look for clues rather than just spoon-feeding them. Through office interactions and weekly meet-ups at a local VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars), Bill figures out that David is cheating on his colleague Narcedalia (Dascha Polanco). Given the close relationship Bill shares with Tammy, it’s only natural that he feels more disturbed than just being repulsed by his son’s immoral actions. Some might think Bill is being a bit nosy, but there’s more to it than that.

To complicate matters, Bill and Venida’s daughter, Patti (Anna Camp), suddenly decides to crash at their home, with her daughter in tow, to escape from her drug-addicted husband. Patti’s erratic parenting style and unapologetically messy life (literally) are a source of frustration for her parents, who try their best to help their adult children. It’s no wonder they love Tammy so much, as she seems to be drama-free and always ready to lend a helping hand. There’s clearly a sense of guilt on Bill’s part, who often asks if he’s been a good parent. Despite the title, none of the characters in this film spend any time praying, however. As someone who believes in the power of prayer, I wish I could encourage Bill to give it a try.

Things come to a head when Bill learns of a painful revelation via Venida, who proves to be more astute than she lets on. I won’t spoil it for you, but Bill’s reaction is relatable and heartbreaking. The conversation between him and Nacerdalia is unexpectedly poignant and sobering … ‘your kids aren’t really yours, and they’re going to break your heart.’ I appreciate this scene as it doesn’t unfairly paint Narcedalia as simply ‘the other woman.’ 

MacLachland got his big break with his script for Junebug (where Amy Adams received her first Oscar nomination), but this is just his third feature film. He’s also a playwright, which explains the film’s structure, focusing more on dialogue than on visual storytelling. I think this material might work better on stage, considering the heavy dialogue. MacLachland intentionally skips over common narrative techniques like flashbacks, which I find quite refreshing. However, this also means that important topics like physical or substance abuse are hinted at and discussed, but not often shown. That style and the slower pace might be challenging for some viewers, though ultimately the film does reward our patience.

It’s great to see Strathairn taking on a leading role that really showcases his nuanced performance. I haven’t seen Levy in anything before, but she’s fantastic here, and the chemistry between them really anchors the film. That final scene with the two of them that offers a quiet redemption is incredibly moving. Bill might not agree with Tammy on her choice, but rather than judging her, he makes an effort to understand her with compassion. A Little Prayer is an indie gem worth checking out; it’s currently playing in select theaters.

Have you seen A LITTLE PRAYER? I’d love to hear what you think!