A Prayer for the Dying, a historical thriller written and directed by Dara Van Dusen, arrives on VOD in France on October 20, 2026. The film brings together Johnny Flynn, John C. Reilly and Kristine Kujath Thorp in a Wisconsin community threatened by an outbreak.
In the wake of the Civil War, Jacob Hansen hopes to start a new life in the small town of Friendship. This former soldier wears many hats—sheriff, pastor, and undertaker—serving a community largely made up of Scandinavian immigrants.
The town's fragile balance is tipped as a deadly epidemic sweeps through the region. Confronted with illness, panic, and the looming threat of a fire, Jacob must fight to save the people, his family, and whatever remains of his convictions.
Johnny Flynn plays Jacob Hansen, alongside John C. Reilly in the role of Doc and Kristine Kujath Thorp as Marta. Gustav Lindh rounds out the cast.
The film fuses Western archetypes with a survival-thriller edge. Its historical setting also lets it explore the burden placed on a man forced to take on multiple essential roles within an isolated community, where every decision could determine who will be saved.
Distributed in France by The Jokers Films, A Prayer for the Dying runs 1h35. The film should appeal to fans of grim westerns, historical dramas, and thrillers in which a collective threat tests the characters’ moral choices.
To explore the rest of this month's new releases, check out our guide to October VOD releases, our pick What to watch today on streaming? and the action films and blockbusters to check out.
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