Directed by Dara Van Dusen, the film ‘A Prayer for the Dying’ is set in the aftermath of the Civil War, and follows veteran Jacob Hansen, whose American dream of a new life in Friendship, Wisconsin quickly becomes a nightmare. When a deadly epidemic and threatening wildfire spread chaos, Jacob – serving as sheriff, undertaker, and pastor – must fight to save his town, his family, and his soul.
‘A Prayer for the Dying’ stars Johnny Flynn (as Jacob Hansen), John C. Reilly (as Doc), Kristine Kujath Thorp (as Marta Hansen), Gustav Lindh (as Harlow), Hilton Pelser (as Chase), Andrew Whipp (as Fenton), Daniel Weyman (as Old Meyer), David Ganly (as Bart), and Christopher John-Slater (as Cyril).
Written by Dara Van Dusen, based on the novel by Stewart O’Nan, ‘A Prayer for the Dying’ is produced by Dyveke Bjørkly Graver, with executive producers John Baker, Louis Balsan, Harald Fagerheim Bugge, Charles Dorfman, Jan Kallista, Tom Kjeseth, Tom Kjeseth, Ketil Lømsland, Marcin Luczaj, Jan Naszewski, Andrea Berentsen Ottmar, Sébastien Raybaud, Magnus Thomassen, and Marlon Vogelgesang. Production companies are Eye Eye Pictures, Albert Verlinde Producties, Asterisk, Creative Europe, The Bureau, Garagefilm International, Film i Väst, Talent Norge, The Bureau, and Yafka Studio.
The film’s cinematography is by Kate McCullough, the music is by Beata Hlavenková, with editing by Fredrik Morheden.
Watch the trailer below:
Additional cast include Peter Adame (as John Henry), Radka Caldová (as Sarah Ramsay), Tobias John Coulton-Shaw (as Marcus & Thaddeus), Juraj Hrcka (as Fred Lembeck), Christopher John-Slater (as Cyril), Tadhg Murphy (as Sylvester), Nienna Robinsonová (as Bitsi), and Christopher Rygh (as Emil).
Quiver Distribution will release ‘A Prayer for the Dying’ in limited U.S. theaters on October 9, 2026.
Johnny Flynn is most known for Emma, Operation Mincemeat, and Ripley. John C. Reilly is most known for Chicago, Gangs of New York, and Step Brothers. Kristine Kujath Thorp is most known for Ninjababy and Sick of Myself. Gustav Lindh is most known for The Northman and Queen of Hearts.
