Pray for us: cast, synopsis and where to watch it

Pray for Us (2021) is a horror and disturbing film written and directed by Evan Spiliotopoulos. The film tells the story of Alice, a young woman with hearing problems who, after an alleged visit from the Virgin Mary, inexplicably manages to hear, speak and heal the sick.

The film premiered on Netflix on March 1, 2024 and was a hit with season ticket holders. Although it had a weak reception in theaters, both from critics and audiences, the story ended up pleasing streaming audiences.

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Based on the best-selling “Shrine,” a book published in 1983 by James Herbert, “Pray for Us” presents the directorial debut of Evan Spiliotopoulos. As a screenwriter, he is known for “Snow White and the Huntsman” (2012), “Hercules” (2014) and “Beauty and the Beast” (2017).

Another highlight is the film’s producer, Sam Raimi, known for directing the “Spider-Man” trilogy and the first three films in the “Evil Dead” series. Raimi is considered one of the most creative contemporary directors, thanks to his camera handling, unusual movements and bold shots.

The struggle of good against evil dressed in horror

Pray for Us stars Jeffrey Dean Morgan, who plays Gerry Fenn, a decadent journalist trying to revise his morals in front of his professional colleagues.

Fenn decides to investigate the phenomenon of young Alice (Cricket Brown), who heals the sick. As the news spreads, she travels to the English country town to investigate the phenomenon. The failed journalist gets the opportunity to return to success when he witnesses miracles being performed.

However, sinister events begin to happen everywhere. They soon realize that it is not the Virgin Mary, but an evil and dangerous force.

Pray for Us in criticism

Pray for Us received mixed reviews. Some analyzes say that the film is uneven, with a weak script, but it has good performances and an interesting topic. Other reviews say that the film does not well present the backstory and goals of the entity that haunts the characters, and that the film wastes the power of uncertainty.

There are also those who argue that the film tries to shock at all costs, with the jump scares and the physical deformity of the demonic character. Yet one of the biggest annoyances, CGI (Computer Graphic Imagery), is one of the least convincing digital flames in the recent history of visual effects in North American cinema.

The film’s message also divides the public, because it tries to show the faces of evil and how it is capable of disguising itself as good to deceive those who cannot see more deeply. It is the famous “wolf in sheep’s clothing”. Would it be evil or the film? Watch to draw your own conclusions.

Data sheet

Where to watch: Netflix. Watch the official trailer .

The post Pray for Us: Cast, Synopsis and Where to Watch appeared first on Olhar Digital.

Source: Olhar Digital

Rose

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.