Mark Wahlberg’s latest movie, Father Stu, is an R-rated, faith-based movie that tells the story of Father Stuart Long. The admittedly unconventional nature of the film made it one which was looked forward to by many viewers. As per Wahlberg, the idea for the film materialized from a dinner out with a group of priests where the pitch for a movie about the life of Father Stuart was put forth. Wahlberg started work on the project back in 2016, and the movie has now been released after six long years.
The screenplay for the movie was written by Rosalind Ross, who made her feature directorial debut in Father Stu, and the rights to the film were acquired by Sony Pictures. Father Stu, delving into faith and detailing the experience of transformation, was understandably projected to be somewhat controversial, with the likelihood to appeal to some and fall short of the expectations of others. The movie was released in theaters on April 13, 2022, during Holy Week and has received mixed reviews from critics.
Here’s everything to know about the film, and why audiences may want to give it a shot.
The Film's Plot
The official synopsis for Father Stu, as per Sony Pictures, reads:
Based on a true story, Father Stu is an unflinchingly honest, funny and ultimately uplifting drama about a lost soul who finds his purpose in a most unexpected place. When an injury ends his amateur boxing career, Stuart Long (Mark Wahlberg) moves to L.A. dreaming of stardom. While scraping by as a supermarket clerk, he meets Carmen (Teresa Ruiz), a Catholic Sunday school teacher who seems immune to his bad-boy charm. Determined to win her over, the longtime agnostic starts going to church to impress her. But surviving a terrible motorcycle accident leaves him wondering if he can use his second chance to help others find their way, leading to the surprising realization that he is meant to be a Catholic priest. Despite a devastating health crisis and the skepticism of Church officials and his estranged parents (Mel Gibson and Jacki Weaver), Stu pursues his vocation with courage and compassion, inspiring not only those closest to him but countless others along the way.
Carrying from the official synopsis, Father Stu follows the adult life of Father Stuart Long. The film takes viewers from the pre-conversion days of Father Stuart to the impact he makes as a priest after conversion. It is not only the faith and belief in God that Father Stuart has to grapple with. He is also plagued by a degenerative disease, Inclusion Body Myositis, a progressive muscle disorder that leads to muscle inflammation, weakness, and wasting. In a world that appears clouded by negativity, Father Stuart’s courage and determination are called into question as he navigates life while standing steadfast in his faith. As it explores the realities of struggles in faith and life, the movie is somewhat unorthodox in its gritty setting.
Mark Wahlberg was well aware of the unconventional nature of Father Stu and was determined to make a movie that had a hard-hitting impact on its audience. Talking to America Magazine in April 2022, Wahlberg said:
“The religious types were all very nervous, and they all wanted me to make a faith-based movie that was very safe, very middle of the road, and very kind of, you know, bland. And we’ve seen those movies, and they don’t really move the needle much.”
The Film's Cast
Mark Wahlberg stars as the protagonist, Father Stu. Wahlberg also funded a large portion of the film and was directly involved in its development since the initial idea in 2016. Australian actress Jacki Weaver portrays Father Stuart’s mother, Kathleen Long, while Mel Gibson plays the protagonist’s father, Bill Long. Mexican actress Teresa Ruiz plays Carmen, a close friend of Father Stuart and light romantic interest. Other cast members include Cody Fern, Annet Mahendru, Faith Jefferies, Carlos Leal, and Michael Fairman.
All We Know: Other Details
Although it has taken a few creative liberties, Father Stu adheres closely to many details of Father Stuart Long’s life. Staying true to the core of the priest, Wahlberg portrays Father Stuart in an authentic manner and retains his humanity, including honesty, sharp tongue, and affinity for swearing, while simultaneously depicting his passionate relationship with God. The relationship between Father Stuart and his father is preserved in the film. Bill Long assisting Father Stuart when he is no longer able to travel on his own relates directly to the characteristics of the priest’s father who was described in Father Stuart’s obituary as giving “tireless assistance” to the priest.
Despite the many pros of the film, critics have also raised certain concerns regarding the film. The Hollywood Reporter claims that although the film would have an established audience owing to Wahlberg’s fanbase and the priest's eye-opening, gritty life story, it is unlikely to attract those who do not have an existing interest in spiritual redemption stories. THR has also faulted the movie's script for being too rushed and unconvincing in some aspects. Perhaps, more depth should have been afforded to aspects such as Father Stu’s troubled family background. However, the cast is credited for giving exceptional and compelling performances in the film, noting that Gibson “gives one of the strongest performances of his career.”
As with every film, Father Stu has its own share of fans and critics. The negatives and positives of the film remain subjective, with the message appealing differently to each viewer. Regardless, the movie is possibly one that should be given a chance because, as stated by Variety, “Father Stu is not your everyday religious odyssey.” Despite its shortcomings, it is a movie that sincerely portrays religious feelings.