A Little Prayer (2025): A Gripping Southern Drama Starring David Strathairn | Plot, Cast, Review & Where to Watch

A Little Prayer – A Quietly Powerful Family Drama with Big Emotional Stakes

In Theaters: August 29, 2025

Genre: Drama

Runtime: 91 minutes

Language: English

Director & Writer: Angus MacLachlan

Starring: David Strathairn, Jane Levy, Will Pullen, Anna Camp, Celia Weston, Dascha Polanco

Where to Watch: A Little Prayer will be released in U.S. theaters on August 29, 2025. Digital and streaming platforms are expected to follow shortly after their theatrical run.

🧠 A Thoughtful Exploration of Family, Faith, and Fragility

In A Little Prayer, acclaimed playwright and filmmaker Angus MacLachlan (known for Junebug and Abundant Acreage Available) delivers a delicately woven story about love, loyalty, and the quiet chaos of family life in the American South. With a cast led by the always-compelling David Strathairn and rising star Jane Levy, this drama takes a restrained yet impactful look at a fractured family navigating grief, betrayal, and connection.

🏡 The Story

Set in the genteel, porch-lined neighborhoods of North Carolina, the story centers on Bill (David Strathairn), a veteran and a quiet man who holds his family and community together with quiet strength. His world begins to shift when his daughter Patti (Anna Camp) returns home after her marriage falls apart, and his son David (Will Pullen) begins to show cracks of irresponsibility, both personally and professionally.

Bill invites David into the family business, but as he watches his son flounder, he begins to suspect that David may be cheating on his devoted wife Tammy (Jane Levy) with a co-worker, Narcedalia (Dascha Polanco). The father finds unexpected solace in Tammy, who, like Bill, appreciates the calm amid the family's emotional noise. But as truths begin to surface, the film asks: how far should one go to protect a loved one from themselves?

🎭 Stellar Performances

The film thrives on its nuanced character work. David Strathairn, in one of his most subtle and stirring performances to date, anchors the film with quiet dignity. His interactions with Jane Levy—equally magnetic and emotionally grounded—offer some of the most touching and thought-provoking moments of the film. Critics have already singled out their chemistry as “pitch-perfect” (The Hollywood Reporter).

Anna Camp adds vitality as Patti, a woman reclaiming her sense of self, while Will Pullen brings depth to David’s confusion and flaws. Celia Weston and Dascha Polanco round out the cast, providing emotional contrast and tension that bring Pleasant Court to life.

🎥 Direction & Style

MacLachlan’s directing style is gentle and patient, allowing the story to unfold like a whispered conversation. Cinematographer Scott Miller captures the Carolina warmth and emotional intimacy in sun-dappled kitchens and silent, reflective car rides. Tricia Holmes' editing ensures the film breathes, while Greg Danner’s soft musical score underlines the bittersweet tone without ever overpowering it.

✍️ A Southern Story with Universal Resonance

At its core, A Little Prayer isn’t about the drama itself—it’s about how people handle it. It’s about the difficult choices we face when our loved ones fall short. It's about the silent strength of observation, the power of forgiveness, and the courage it takes to truly understand another person.

In the best tradition of intimate American dramas, this film finds its strength in silence, gestures, and glances—the moments that happen between words.

📺 Where to Watch

A Little Prayer premieres in U.S. theaters on August 29, 2025, distributed by Music Box Films. While streaming and VOD details have yet to be confirmed, the film is expected to become available on major digital platforms after its theatrical run—potentially on Apple TV, Prime Video, or a specialty streaming service with a focus on indie and arthouse cinema.

🌟 Final Thoughts

A Little Prayer is a tender, slow-burning drama that reflects life’s quiet complexities. It’s for anyone who’s ever tried to hold a family together, who’s had to choose between honesty and protection, or who’s simply tried to do the right thing in a world where nothing is black and white.

If you appreciate character-driven storytelling with heart, grace, and emotional depth, don’t miss this moving portrait of a modern Southern family.

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