Prayers for Bobby (2009)

Prayers for Bobby (2009)

2009 88 Minutes

Drama | History | TV Movie

True story of Mary Griffith, gay rights crusader, whose teenage son committed suicide due to her religious intolerance. Based on the book of the same title by Leroy Aarons.

Overall Rating

7 / 10
Verdict: Good

User Review

  • Prayers for Bobby faithfully translates sacrilegious homosexuality through uneven storytelling. A film specifically made for TV having been premiered on America's Lifetime network a decade ago. Naturally, the quality and cinematic flair were kept to a bare minimum, consequently leaving all of the focus on this tragic story. Whilst the first half came across as painfully obvious and underdeveloped, it's the second half that truly questioned the evangelical teachings of Presbyterianism. Bobby Griffith, a young boy who was essentially "perfect", starts to come to terms with his homosexuality. His mother on the other hand does not and rapidly drives her son away into mental depression and paranoia.

    As an advocate of LGBT films, this docudrama has good intentions. It conveys the bigotry towards gays through a personable family story that manages to be accessible to millions. Sure it lacked the emotional depth, particularly from Bobby's perspective, and rapidly culminates his adolescence in a mere twenty minutes. Ford's teleplay was clearly under time constraints and unfortunately did not allow the tragic undertone to simmer, disabling any real emotional connection to Bobby. However, the story then changes viewpoint. This tragic tale is not necessarily about Bobby. No, it's about a mother coming to terms with the closed-minded prejudice she gave her son that drove him to tragedy.

    All of sudden the story becomes interesting, questioning the interpretations of biblical text. Text that she deemed holy and evangelical. Several passages, mostly Leviticus, were queried when she met a local reverend who reassured her that Bobby was not sinful. Real tangible emotion is brought forth, thanks to a dependable and convincing performance from Weaver. Superb acting. Say what you will about the horrific editing techniques and mediocre directing (it was like watching CSI...), you cannot deny the good intentions that Prayers for Bobby brings to the nation. Poor first half, good second half. But most importantly: stop homophobia, because you never know when "a child is listening".