Prayers for Bobby (2009)

"Prayers for Bobby" paints a poignant portrait of the Griffiths, a seemingly idyllic family deeply rooted in the conservative teachings of the Presbyterian Church. Mary Griffith, portrayed by Sigourney Weaver, is a devout Christian who diligently instills these principles in her children. However, the tranquil veneer of their lives fractures when her son Bobby, played by Ryan Kelley, confides his homosexuality to his older brother. Upon learning of Bobby's secret, a seismic shift threatens the Griffith family. While Bobby's father and siblings navigate their way towards acceptance, Mary clings to her enduring belief that God can purge her son of what she perceives as a 'sin'. She implores Bobby to invest himself in prayer and church activities, hoping to reshape him in the image of her faith. Desperate to regain his mother's approval, Bobby submits to her demands but finds himself adrift in the sea of the Church's palpable disapproval. Drawn into a whirlpool of depression and self-loathing, he struggles to reconcile his identity with his mother's expectations. As Bobby feels increasingly responsible for his mother's distress, he seeks escape by moving away, nurturing a fragile hope for a future acceptance. In his new life in Portland with his libertarian cousin, Bobby experiences a taste of liberation and love with David, his ideal partner. Yet, the chains of self-denial cast a long shadow, and his return to them proves unbearable. His subsequent despair drives him to a tragic end, leaving a gaping wound in the Griffith family. Stunned by the loss of her son, Mary finds herself at a crossroads, her faith confronted by unanswerable questions. Her search for understanding leads her on an emotional odyssey where she gradually opens her heart to the gay community. Mary's journey of acceptance and redemption unfolds as she finds unexpected solace and support in the most unlikely corners. "Prayers for Bobby" is a poignant exploration of faith, acceptance, and the power of unconditional love, based on the 1995 book by Leroy Aarons. As the story unravels, it offers a heart-wrenching insight into the struggles of a family wrestling with faith and identity in a world bound by traditional values.

Prayers for Bobby is a drama movie featuring Ryan Kelley.

Prayers for Bobby is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Shout! Factory TV and it's also available on DIRECTV and Lifetime Movie Club.