Father Stu -- Movie Review
by Bill Ireland
The recently released movie, Father Stu, chronicles the real-life journey of a man named Stuart Long. The film features Mark Wahlberg in the title role, and he nails Long’s turn as a small-time boxer, grocery store butcher, and wannabe actor to ordained Catholic priest. The movie wears its heart on its sleeve, and people of faith will find much to talk about. I loved it! Here are some takeaways I gleaned from watching.
First, the film illustrates beautifully how belonging can lead to believing. Stu meets Carmen, and once he finds out she’s a churchgoing Catholic, he shows up at church, hoping his willingness to meet her on her turf will allow him to win her heart. (How many of us did something like that while growing up?) Despite his salty demeanor and unfiltered honesty, the church welcomes him, and he begins to feel at home. Over time, his budding relationship with Carmen mirrors his growing engagement with matters of faith. In this respect, the film offers a primer on the value and potential of genuine hospitality.
As well, the film invites us to make room for the mystical. A pivotal scene in the movie takes place in a bar. There a stranger (a Christ figure) strikes up a conversation with Stu and tells him he’s about to get his opportunity. As the stranger leaves the bar, he warns Stu to be careful driving. Stu leaves the bar shortly afterward and while riding his motorcycle home, he has a horrific accident. While lying on the pavement and drifting in and out of consciousness, he has a vision in which Mary comforts him. Despite his life-threatening injuries, he survives. Those mystical moments, upon reflection, lead him to believe that God is calling him to become a priest. Stu’s experience lends credence to the admonition offered by the writer of Hebrews: “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” In other words, the divine presence can show up in ways we don’t expect.
A third takeaway. As we follow Stu through his seminary training, we see that his rough edges and less than perfect background enable him to connect with people. He’s not afraid to be himself, nor does he hide behind his clerical collar. His authenticity gives him credibility. He gets a hearing for the gospel by embracing his past, not by erasing it. Owning who we are and owning all our stuff makes it possible for us to reach others.
Finally, the question of suffering pervades the entire story. Stu’s boxing career is derailed by an injury. His relationship with his estranged father (played wonderfully by Mel Gibson) is characterized by misunderstanding, abuse, and unresolved grief. He barely survives a motorcycle accident. And, when he’s on the cusp of ordination, he is struck with an incurable and debilitating autoimmune disorder that threatens to rob him of his opportunity to serve the church. By throwing so much suffering on the screen, the film invites us to explore the connection between faith and suffering and demands that we recognize those who suffer much are often enabled to love much.
Over the last two years, COVID has all but eliminated movie going from our routine. Father Stu gives us as good a reason as there can be to go the multiplex, buy a ticket, grab some popcorn, and find our seat. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
Photo credit: accessed from Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Father_Stu