A Prayer for the Dying

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A Prayer for the Dying

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1h 35m

Western

Drama

Mystery & Thriller

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18 Reviews

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Brett Arnold

At the Movies Again

1 day ago

So incredibly bleak that I look forward to never watching it ever again, but it's undeniably effective and affecting.

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Todd Jorgenson

Cinemalogue

1 day ago

Driven more by atmosphere than plot, this downbeat Western character study yields some haunting visuals while lacking the accompanying narrative intrigue.

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Mark Dujsik

Mark Reviews Movies

1 day ago

3/4

It's a striking film, made especially unsettling ... by how off-kilter it keeps us.

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Dara Van Dusen

Director

Johnny Flynn

Jacob Hansen

John C. Reilly

Doc

Kristine Kujath Thorp

Marta Hansen

Gustav Lindh

Harlow

Hilton Pelser

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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

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