Värn

Wisconsin, 1870. During a sweltering summer in a Scandinavian immigrant community, Jacob Hansen’s life reaches a turning point. Despite his status as a celebrated Civil War veteran, he seeks to atone for his violent past. Serving as sheriff, pastor, and undertaker, he looks after the small town of Friendship; however, when a deadly epidemic begins to spread and the town doctor (John C. Reilly) is left powerless, the responsibility falls on Jacob. Every choice becomes a devilish dilemma: while he strives to protect his own family, the community that granted him a second chance also demands his unwavering commitment. A Prayer for the Dying cuts deep into the human soul with keen observations—a compelling tale about the impossible choices that must be made when the ground seems to vanish from beneath our feet.

A Prayer for the Dying marks the directorial debut of Dara van Dusen and is based on the novel of the same name by Stewart O’Nan. The film premiered earlier this year at the 76th Berlinale, where it was nominated for the Best First Feature Award in the Perspectives section. Its screening at the Noordelijk Film Festival marks the Dutch premiere.