Say Your Prayers
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Say Your Prayers
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Say Your Prayers is a British dark comedy about religious fundamentalists plotting to murder an atheist author, and includes violent scenes and plenty of strong language. The movie cleverly adapts well-known thriller roles, with a pair of Christian brothers as hit men, Vic (Tom Brooke) and Tim (Harry Melling), and a chillingly corrupt priest, Father Enoch (Derek Jacobi) as the crime boss. The brothers are depicted as victims of an intentionally dangerous upbringing. But despite this sympathetic portrayal, there are few if any positive messages to be taken. The movie isn't anti-religion, it instead effectively highlights how all institutions can fail people if run by corrupt figureheads. Though occasional, the violence is strong, including murder and a bloody headshot. There is frequent strong language, including variants of "f--k," British slang -- "wanker" and "twat" -- and two disability slurs. Characters, including a police woman, make wrong assumptions based on racial prejudices.
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What's the Story?
In SAY YOUR PRAYERS, Christian brothers Vic (Tom Brooke) and Tim (Harry Melling) are on a mission to kill an atheist author after being ordered to do so by a corrupt priest. But a case of mistaken identity sparks a race against time as the police close in on the brothers.
Is It Any Good?
More accurate and far sharper than its two hit men brothers, this impressive satire hits every mark it aims for. Say Your Prayers is full of dry British humor, which never falls flat, and the emotional moments have a thought-provoking effect. The brotherly bond between Vic and Tim is masterfully played -- tragic characters rather than plainly evil killers. Indeed the movie's a masterclass in replacing well-worn crime thriller tropes with unexpected replacements. Derek Jacobi's priest, Father Enoch, is particularly chilling as the kingpin pulling the strings. Meanwhile, Anna Maxwell Martin as the very sweary, chain-smoking hard-boiled police detective is as charmingly crass as she is unlikable.
From the surprising characters and location to the male choir that stands in key scenes to provide the soundtrack, there is nothing typical about this movie. Yet despite this, the movie functions perfectly as a tense thriller, with pacing to match. It also never condemns either side of the religious argument, taking down instead anyone who uses power for personal gain. Say Your Prayers is inventive, effective, surprising, and rich with things to discuss once the lean 85 minutes have flown by.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the strong language in Say Your Prayers. Did it seem necessary or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
Discuss the violence in the movie. Was it shocking or thrilling? Did the fact that the movie had comedic elements impact how you felt about those scenes? If so, why? Does exposure to violent media desensitize kids to violence?
Do you think all subjects are ok to satirize or should some things, such as religion, not be joked about? What use does satire serve?
Discuss the characters of Vic and Tim. Why were they so determined to defend their beliefs and cause harm to others? Why is it important that we accept and respect that other people may have different views and beliefs to us?
Movie Details
- In theaters: April 2, 2021
- On DVD or streaming: April 2, 2021
- Cast: Harry Melling, Tom Brooke, Anna Maxwell Martin
- Director: Harry Michell
- Studio: Gravitas Ventures
- Genre: Comedy
- Run time: 84 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: January 30, 2023
For kids who love thrillers
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