Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Father Stu

film

Father Stu

2022

The true-life story of boxer-turned-priest. When an injury ends his amateur boxing career, Stuart Long moves to Los Angeles to find money and fame. While scraping by as a supermarket clerk, he meets Carmen, a 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. However, a motorcycle accident leaves him wondering if he can use his second chance to help others, leading to the surprising realization that he's meant to be a Catholic priest.

Ages 16+Source checked

Why this age? Mature language, a serious motorcycle collision, drinking and DUI, implied sexual activity, family trauma, progressive disabling illness, religious struggle, and a death make this best suited to older teens. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age16+

Strongest cautions

  • Religious themes5/5
  • Alcohol or drugs4/5
  • Death of a character4/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience5/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5
  • Positive messages4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Incidental brand presence consistent with a modern-day setting.

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist deals with the death of a sibling in his past and eventually passes away from his illness.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Depicts injury from the accident; some blood and physical suffering associated with his progressive muscle disorder.

Strong language4/5
Why this rating?

Features frequent, strong, and coarse language, consistent with the R rating.

Religious themes5/5
Why this rating?

Central theme involves the Catholic faith, priesthood, baptism, and religious conversion.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

Stu courts Carmen, they date, and their relationship meaningfully affects his life choices, though romance is not the final focus.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

A serious crash, frightening medical decline, loss of independence, and impending death may deeply upset children, though the film is not horror-focused.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

An intimate moment appears to lead to sex, though the scene is framed around resisting temptation; no explicit sexual detail is indicated.

Alcohol or drugs4/5
Why this rating?

Depicts heavy drinking, bar culture, and the negative consequences of driving under the influence.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Boxing, a severe motorcycle crash, and physical deterioration are important elements; violence is dramatic rather than pervasive.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience5/5
Why this rating?

Stu persistently faces injury, disability, rejection, strained relationships, and mortality while continuing toward service.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Encourages viewers to think about personal purpose and resilience in the face of adversity.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Depicts a range of socioeconomic backgrounds and personal life experiences.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

It offers incidental insight into Catholic formation, priestly vocation, disability, addiction recovery, and a real person's life.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Family members, parishioners, friends, caregivers, and Stu show growing care, support, forgiveness, and community solidarity.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

The film emphasizes redemption, vocation, forgiveness, perseverance, service, and finding meaning amid suffering and disability.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Stu shows persistence, compassion, and service, but begins with reckless, dishonest, and self-destructive behavior before changing.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. What beliefs or religious ideas appear in the story? How do they influence the characters?
  3. Which choice in Father Stu would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Father Stu, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to watch or buy

Buy or rent on AmazonFind on JustWatch

As an Amazon Associate, Dickens & Rumi may earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Report an incorrect rating