PRAY AWAY Film Review July 28, 2021 Eclectic Arts

Pray Away

Netflix
Reviewed: 7/28/2021

Rating: 5 / 5

***Launching Globally on Netflix August 3rd***
And in Theaters on July 30 in NYC at the IFC Center

(Netflix Original Film)

It is the job of any reviewer to remain as objective as possible when reviewing any film. There have certainly been times when I had to check myself as my own personal views on a subject were clouding the film presented to me.


The new original film for Netflix “Pray Away” focuses on a subject that has irked me for many, many years. I’ll just be up front about that right now at the beginning of this review.


The idea that someone that identifies as LGBTQIA+ can be saved or their orientation can be “prayed” away is not only ridiculous but it’s downright dangerous.

This fascinating yet angering documentary focuses on a group of religious people that created a huge movement to enlist and pray away those who identified as LGBTQIA+. The fascinating part is that it tells the story of more than one (former) member of this religious group who came out, then joined the religious group, then left the group and came out “again”. Their stories from the inside during their time working for the religious group are compelling to the core.


The film also shows a recent convert who left the trans “lifestyle” and found Jesus who cured him. But the main focus is on the religious group over the years. Their power and influence was clearly evident and it is still here today.


Without this turning into a soapbox speech, whether you agree or disagree about the subject matter, “Pray Away” is a must view as it is one of the most powerful documentaries I’ve reviewed this year (and that’s saying something).


Recommended!


Best,
Mark Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts

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