Rotten Tomatoes
Submit search Movies Tv shows RT App News Showtimes

A Prayer for the Dying

Play trailer 1:56 Poster for A Prayer for the Dying In Theaters Oct 9 1h 35m Western Drama Mystery & Thriller Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
64% Tomatometer 11 Reviews Popcornmeter 0 Verified Ratings
In the aftermath of the Civil War, A PRAYER FOR THE DYING follows veteran Jacob Hansen, whose American dream of a new life in Friendship, Wisconsin quickly becomes a nightmare. When a deadly epidemic and threatening wildfire spread chaos, Jacob -- serving as sheriff, undertaker, and pastor -- must fight to save his town, his family, and his soul.
Coming Soon In Theaters Oct 9 Buy Tickets

Cast & Crew

View All

Dara Van Dusen

Director

Johnny Flynn

Jacob Hansen

John C. Reilly

Doc

Kristine Kujath Thorp

Marta Hansen

Gustav Lindh

Harlow

Hilton Pelser

Chase

Critics Reviews

View More
Brian Tallerico RogerEbert.com Sep 20, 2026
2.5/4
Not only is it thematically and textually brutal, it’s washed in such a dust-brown color palette that you almost want to cough while you’re watching it. Go to Full Review Lou Thomas Time Out Feb 17, 2026
4/5
Flynn is great as the tormented sheriff, while Reilly maintains his hit-rate of dependably unfussy performances. There’s much to recommend about this astute work. Go to Full Review Leslie Felperin The Hollywood Reporter Feb 17, 2026
"Prayer" will definitely make a name for, or at least cement the reputations of, many of the talents attached to it. That goes especially for writer-director Dara Van Dusen. Go to Full Review Steven Prokopy Third Coast Review 4 days ago
2.5/4
As many a horror movie does, A Prayer for the Dying illustrates that monsters and demons are nothing compared to the destructive force that is humanity. Go to Full Review Sarah Manvel Movies We Texted About May 16, 2026
A Prayer for the Dying manages to take the story of one small town and turn it into an allegory for all of us. It has an unusual beauty and staying power that many films with bigger oomph in the moment lack entirely. Go to Full Review James Mottram Radio Times Apr 10, 2026
2/5
Reilly brings his usual quirky charm, but even he can't save this from its largely soporific feel. An inventive, try-hard movie that sadly never comes off. Go to Full Review Read all reviews
View All

A Prayer for the Dying

A Prayer for the Dying: Trailer 1 A Prayer for the Dying: Trailer 1 1:56 Now Playing View more videos
View All

A Prayer for the Dying

View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis In the aftermath of the Civil War, A PRAYER FOR THE DYING follows veteran Jacob Hansen, whose American dream of a new life in Friendship, Wisconsin quickly becomes a nightmare. When a deadly epidemic and threatening wildfire spread chaos, Jacob -- serving as sheriff, undertaker, and pastor -- must fight to save his town, his family, and his soul.
Director
Dara Van Dusen
Producer
Dyveke Bjørkly Graver
Screenwriter
Stewart O'Nan, Dara Van Dusen, Dara Van Dusen
Distributor
Quiver Distribution
Production Co
Eye Eye Pictures
Genre
Western, Drama, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Oct 9, 2026, Limited
Runtime
1h 35m
Join The Newsletter Join The Newsletter Cookie Settings