Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Heartfelt coming-out musical has mature themes, language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Saturday Church
What's the Story?
In SATURDAY CHURCH, New York teen Ulysses (Luka Kain) is struggling to find his footing after his father's death. His mother, Amara (Margot Bingham), is forced to work double shifts to cover expenses, and his mean Aunt Rose (Regina Taylor) has taken over the household. Ulysses is gay and drawn to dressing in women's clothes, which the adults in his home forbid him from doing. To escape their wrath, Ulysses heads to Christopher Street, where he meets colorful transgender friends Ebony (Michaela Jaé Rodriguez), Dijon (Indya Moore), and Heaven (Alexia Garcia), as well as the kind Raymond (Marquis Rodriguez), who's gay. They take him to Saturday Church, a safe haven where LGBTQ+ people can eat, find clothes, and dance. They also introduce him to the ball scene, which opens Ulysses' eyes even further. But after a blowout with Aunt Rose, Ulysses finds himself unhoused for the first time and must fight for the life and acceptance he desperately craves.
Is It Any Good?
Written and directed by gay director Damon Cardasis, this coming-out story is fairly routine, but it sets itself apart from dozens of similar stories with its deeply felt musical fantasy sequences. Saturday Church isn't exactly polished; in truth, it sometimes feels very amateurish. It recalls a local community theater production, with everyone putting in everything they have. And as is often the case in community theater, passion and dedication help make up for any lack of technical skill or experience.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Saturday Church portrays queer characters. Is it fair and accurate? Is it compassionate, or does it judge?
How does the musical aspect of the movie fit in with the story? Did you enjoy the songs, or did they seem out of place?
Did you notice any stereotypes? If so, does the movie further these stereotypes, or does it dispel them?
How is bullying depicted? What are some real-life tactics for handling bullying?
What is the "Saturday Church" of the title? Does it seem like a helpful place? Do you know of any places like that? How does it differ from the traditional church depicted in the film?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 12, 2018
- On DVD or streaming : March 13, 2018
- Cast : Luka Kain , Margot Bingham , Regina Taylor
- Director : Damon Cardasis
- Studio : Samuel Goldwyn Films
- Genre : Musical
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Run time : 82 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : July 24, 2026
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