Review of Prayers for Bobby (2009) by Gigi L — 16 Nov 2010

A tragic, but beautiful TV movie about the true story of Mary and Bobby Griffith. Set in the late 70s/early 80s, "Prayers for Bobby" tells the story of Bobby Griffith - a young gay man whose mother was extremely religious, and couldn't accept the fact that her son was homosexual.

While half of "Prayers for Bobby" explores Bobby's coming out and his depression, the movie is really about Bobby's mother Mary. We gather early on in the film (and from the film's synopsis) that Bobby killed himself at a young age, and "Prayers for Bobby" deals with Mary's reaction to this. For much of this movie I was disgusted with how Mary treated her son, but the premise of the film is that Mary actually became a leading gay rights activist after her son's death.

There were a few moments of cringy TV-acting in "Prayers for Bobby", but both Sigourney Weaver and Ryan Kelley were excellent. I'll admit it, I cried in this movie. I cried more than once. It's just so tragic. It isn't completely depressing though, because you get the sense that maybe something good came from such a horrible situation. Mary was no longer full of hate once she realised that homosexuality is not something people should be condemned for. She dedicated her life to supporting the gay community, and trying as hard as possible to make sure that they feel safe and happy with who they are.

Although this movie is set a few decades ago, it is more than relevant today. Especially relevant this year perhaps, with the recent suicides of young gay people in America. In fact this story could very well have been set in the present day, in my opinion. There is no doubt in my mind that families react like this all the time when their son or daughter comes out to them. And I know there are millions of people who don't know anyone who is gay, but still (in this day and age!) think it is disgusting and morally wrong. That isn't just limited to religious people either, although religious fundementalists and conservatives seem to like shoving their opinions in people's faces.

Anyway, my point is that "Prayers for Bobby" is a great film. Tragic, relevant, touching, powerful, and because it IS a true story - a film that ultimately HAD to be made.