These days, when you talk about a “faith-based” film, most people tune out immediately thinking you’ll be pushing a preachy and saccharine G-rated production that is destined to go direct to video. The story of FATHER STU may play heavy on faith and spirituality, but it is absolutely not a toned down “safe” film, rather a more honest portrayal of a real man named Stuart Long who lacked direction in life, and found comfort and resolve in serving God. This is also a major passion project for actor Mark Wahlberg, who has been working hard to get this movie made for the better part of six years. It’s an important and moving story we all need right now, especially in an age where most folks are letting politics and hate divide them from their own neighbors and even family.

Stuart Long (Wahlberg) had dreams of being an entertainer from a young age, shown in flashback as a kid dancing and singing like Elvis, while his father Bill (Mel Gibson) was not very encouraging of his son’s ambitions. As Stuart gets older, he finds himself becoming a boxer, until the doctor tells him those hits to the head are likely going to kill him. His mother Kathleen (Jackie Weaver) worries heavily, considering she already lost a son when Stuart’s brother died at a young age. Upon realizing boxing isn’t a safe path, Stuart then decides he’ll move to Hollywood and become an actor, for which he has little to no training. He also tries to catch up with his father, now divorced and disgraced, and not exactly interested in his son’s wild ideas. While searching for success, Stuart meets Carmen (Teresa Ruiz) and is instantly smitten with her, but also realizes her devotion is to her Catholic church. So Stu attempts following her into that life in hopes of wooing her, but eventually suffers a horrible motorcycle accident and almost dies. After spending time in a coma, Stu eventually wakes up and realizes his true destiny based on visions he’s had and voices he’s heard. He wants to become a priest. Stu feels the priesthood is his calling, but it also means his love with Carmen must be abandoned. He studies hard, but can’t shake his sometimes crass ways, making him an unlikely candidate for this vocation. As things start to look promising, he’s hit with another big challenge due to health issues that mean his body will eventually fail him. Now he must decide if his increasing physical restrictions are enough reason to abandon what he feels is his true calling.

I wasn’t sure what to expect of FATHER STU, and I admittedly didn’t know much about the real Stuart Long beforehand. I came out of this very moved, and genuinely feeling like this film is a triumph, a powerhouse performance by Mark Wahlberg that is layered and sincere. We’ve spent a lot of years watching Wahlberg in decent but sometimes forgettable films. This feels like more than just a passion project for the seasoned actor, it feels like a personal and important journey, and one that intentionally isn’t sugarcoated or watered down. There’s a lot of cussing, some violent moments, and generally R-rated tropes that come across like anything other than a faith-based movie. But there’s also powerful and spiritual moments that are surprisingly emotional and intense. I got choked up a few times watching the film, and even cried heavily toward the end, but also found myself laughing and enjoying moments of levity and honest humor throughout. This is a production that knows when to be heavy, and also when to be fun.

The cast is filled with strong faces, and some may take issue with the inclusion of Mel Gibson, who is still looked upon unfavorably by certain moviegoers and critics. Here he’s playing a tortured man who has his own failings and doubts. It’s not a glamorous role at all, and in some ways it feels like very inspired casting. The movie is also directed by Gibson’s real life lover Rosalind Ross, making her directorial debut, and she handles the storytelling quite well considering the sometimes hectic tone of the piece, and the fact we’re watching an R-rated movie about finding God. Jackie Weaver is great as Stuart’s mother, the clearly worn out woman still mourning the loss of her first child, worried about what her remaining son is going to become. Teresa Ruiz gives a very genuine performance as Carmen, a refreshingly realistic-looking woman who is quite sympathetic and never feels like a manipulative character. There’s a scene late in the film where she visits Stu, a man who tried so hard to love her, and now must keep a distance between them because of his calling… and you can’t help but feel for her, knowing that God is so very important to her as well, but is also the reason she must lose the intimacy of a man she loved. I also enjoyed seeing the great Malcolm McDowell as Monsignor Kelly, the church head who must reign Stu in time and again, but clearly sees his passion.

But make no mistake, this is Wahlberg’s film through and through. He owns the screen and delivers a career-best performance that reminded me of discovering him all those years ago in the polar opposite style film BOOGIE NIGHTS. Mark seems to know the story he’s trying to tell, and isn’t afraid to capture all the gritty and sometimes embarrassing aspects of who Stuart Long was on the way to what he would become. You’ll notice late in the film how he transforms himself physically to show the way Stu lost his physique and health, and it’s rather staggering to see how different he looks in those moments. This is a guy who in real life works out extensively every day, so when you see him looking overweight and weak, it’s quite effective. While the subject matter might not be for all tastes, it’s hard not to see this is Mark Wahlberg’s finest hour as an actor – this material meant a lot to him, and it shows on screen.

FATHER STU may come across as unpolished in the eyes of some, or perhaps a bit rough around the edges for a movie about finding God, but those awkward aspects feel sincere and at times necessary considering who Stuart Long was. This was a man who lacked direction and purpose, and went through hell to find heaven. It’s in many ways a more honest look at the idea of spiritual awakening that any we’ve seen before. FATHER STU is also a breath of fresh air in an age with movies that are either loud and expensive or just depressing and confusing… with a superb cast and powerful portrayals, this is one not to be missed.

Be Sociable, Share!

• 
•