Prayers for Bobby

  • 2009
  • PG
  • 89m
movieMx RATING
8.1/10618
VERDICT
SUPER HIT
Advertisement

Performance & Direction: Prayers for Bobby Review

Last updated: February 16, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: February 16, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Prayers for Bobby (2009) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 8.1/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Prayers for Bobby features a noteworthy lineup led by Sigourney Weaver . Supported by the likes of Henry Czerny and Ryan Kelley , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.

Performance Analysis: The lead actors exhibit a remarkable range, navigating the emotional peaks and valleys of their respective characters with a precision that makes every motivation feel earned.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of Prayers for Bobby (2009) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 8.1/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Result: SUPER HIT
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, Prayers for Bobby stands as a SUPER HIT.

Story & Plot Summary: Prayers for Bobby

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2009, Prayers for Bobby is a Drama, History, TV Movie film directed by Russell Mulcahy. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Sigourney Weaver.

Story Breakdown

This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. Bobby Griffith was his mother's favorite son, the perfect all-American boy growing up under deeply religious influences in Walnut Creek, California. Bobby was also gay. Struggling with a conflict no one knew of, much less understood, Bobby finally came out to his family. The screenplay takes time to develop Sigourney Weaver's journey, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.

Narrative Structure

  • Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
  • Character Arc: The protagonist, portrayed by Sigourney Weaver, undergoes a meaningful transformation, with their journey feeling earned and emotionally resonant. Supporting characters are well-developed, each serving a purpose in the narrative.
  • Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.

Ending Explained: Prayers for Bobby

Ending Breakdown: Directed by Russell Mulcahy, Prayers for Bobby brings together its narrative threads in a way that feels both earned and emotionally resonant. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.

The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Sigourney Weaver, creating a memorable conclusion that audiences have responded to positively.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, leaving audiences satisfied.
  • Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes in a way that feels organic to the story.

The final moments of Prayers for Bobby demonstrate careful narrative planning, resulting in a conclusion that enhances the overall experience.

Prayers for Bobby Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?

Prayers for Bobby draws heavily from documented historical records. As a drama, history, tv movie film directed by Russell Mulcahy, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Sigourney Weaver's character.

Historical Context

The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.

The production demonstrates respect for its source material, with attention to period detail and historical context.

Accuracy Assessment: Prayers for Bobby successfully translates real events into compelling cinema. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.

Who Should Watch Prayers for Bobby?

Highly Recommended For:

  • Fans of Drama cinema looking for quality storytelling
  • Viewers who appreciate emotionally resonant character studies and meaningful themes
  • Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
Advertisement

Top Cast: Prayers for Bobby

All Cast & Crew →
Sigourney Weaver
Sigourney WeaverMary Griffith
Henry Czerny
Henry CzernyRobert Griffith
Ryan Kelley
Ryan KelleyBobby Griffith
Austin Nichols
Austin NicholsEd Griffith
Carly Schroeder
Carly SchroederJoy Griffith
Shannon Eagen
Shannon EagenNancy Griffith
Susan Ruttan
Susan RuttanBetty Lambert
Dan Butler
Dan ButlerReverend Whitsell
Lee Garlington
Lee GarlingtonPsychologist
Advertisement

Where to Watch Prayers for Bobby Online?

Streaming Hub

Prayers for Bobby Parents Guide & Age Rating

2009 Advisory
PG

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Prayers for Bobby age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

Prayers for Bobby is rated PG. It is generally suitable for all ages.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Prayers for Bobby is 89 minutes (1h 29m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 8.1/10, and global performance metrics, Prayers for Bobby is classified as a SUPER HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2009 cinematic calendar.

SUPER HIT
Official movieMx status for Prayers for Bobby. Rating: 8.1/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Prayers for Bobby worth watching?

Prayers for Bobby is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 8.1/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Prayers for Bobby parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Prayers for Bobby identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of Prayers for Bobby?

The total duration of Prayers for Bobby is 89 minutes, which is approximately 1h 29m long.

Best Movies to Watch if you liked Prayers for Bobby

How Prayers for Bobby Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for Prayers for Bobby

🛡️

movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

Advertisement
Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 8.1
Prayers for Bobby
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/prayers-for-bobby-21634" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 8.1</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">Prayers for Bobby</div></div></a>

Share this rating on your blog or website. Includes a 100% organic backlink.

More with Sigourney Weaver

View full filmography