Prayer (2026)

Set in 1870s Wisconsin during the aftermath of the American Civil War, A Prayer for the Dying follows Jacob, a veteran burdened by psychological trauma who serves as his town's sheriff, pastor, and undertaker. Seeking redemption and hoping to protect his family and community, his quiet life is shattered when a white plague outbreak coincides with drought-induced wildfires encroaching on the town. In an effort to prevent mass panic, Jacob and the local doctor attempt to conceal the epidemic, but death continues to mount rapidly.

The film explores the moral dilemmas faced by ordinary people in the face of disaster, moving away from traditional Western action tropes to focus on character-driven drama and atmospheric storytelling. Jacob must balance his duties in handling the dead, calming agitated residents, and safeguarding his loved ones while grappling with his own faith and survival instincts.

• Directed and written by Dara Van Dusen, the film stars Johnny Flynn, John C. Reilly, and Kristen Connolly.
• It is a co-production between Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Greece, blending European production resources with an American historical setting.
• The movie premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival in February 2026 within the Panorama section.
• It was also selected for screening at the Shanghai International Film Festival later that year.
• The film runs for approximately 95 minutes and focuses heavily on the desolate landscape and internal conflict rather than external action.