JustWatch
Gardeners' World
Documentary
Pray Away (2021)
6.6 / 10
Where to Watch Pray Away
Netflix
Subscription
Pray Away
2021
101mins
MA15+
6.6 / 10
6.6 / 10
In the 1970s, five men struggling with being gay in their Evangelical church started a bible study to help each other leave the "homosexual lifestyle." They quickly received over 25,000 letters from people asking for help and formalized as Exodus International, the largest and most controversial conversion therapy organization in the world. But leaders struggled with a secret: their own “same-sex attractions” never went away. After years as Christian superstars in the religious right, many of these men and women have come out as LGBTQ, disavowing the very movement they helped start. Focusing on the dramatic journeys of former conversion therapy leaders, current members, and a survivor, PRAY AWAY chronicles the “ex gay" movement’s rise to power, persistent influence, and the profound harm it causes.
Pray Away: Cast & Crews
Directors
Kristine Stolakis
Top Cast
Julie Rodgers, Randy Thomas, Yvette Cantu Schneider, John Paulk, Jeffrey McCall
Movie Trailers
What Our Critics Think
Independent reviews from the Compare TV editorial team.
4/5
Pray Away offers a harrowing yet necessary examination of the 'ex-gay' movement, shedding light on a dark chapter in the history of LGBTQ+ rights. Directed by Kristine Stolakis, the documentary delves into the lives of former leaders of Exodus International, revealing their internal conflicts and th ... Show more >>
5/5
Wow, Pray Away is an absolute eye-opener! This documentary pulls no punches in tackling the controversial topic of conversion therapy. It’s not just about the facts; it dives deep into the emotional turmoil of those who once led the charge against their own identities. The raw honesty from former le ... Show more >>
How Viewers Describe This Film
Common themes and sentiments
Streaming Charts
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Got a question about Pray Away?
Yes, Pray Away is worth watching for its poignant exploration of the 'ex-gay' movement and its lasting impact on individuals and communities. The documentary offers a compelling insight into the lives of former conversion therapy leaders who have since disavowed their past, making it both informative and emotionally resonant.
Pray Away chronicles the rise and fall of Exodus International, the largest conversion therapy organisation, founded by five men in the 1970s. The film focuses on their personal journeys, revealing the internal struggles they faced with their own sexuality and the harm caused by the movement they once promoted.
Pray Away is not suitable for children due to its mature themes, including discussions of sexuality, mental health, and the psychological impacts of conversion therapy. It is recommended for older teens and adults who can engage with its serious subject matter.
In Australia, Pray Away is available for streaming on platforms such as Netflix. Check your local listings for availability and subscription options.
Films similar to Pray Away include The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson, Boy Erased, and For They Know Not What They Do. These films explore themes of LGBTQ+ identity, acceptance, and the impact of conversion therapy.
As of now, there is no sequel to Pray Away. The documentary stands alone, providing a comprehensive look at the conversion therapy movement and its repercussions.
At the end of Pray Away, the film highlights the personal transformations of its subjects as they embrace their LGBTQ+ identities and publicly disavow the conversion therapy movement. This conclusion serves as a powerful statement on acceptance and the importance of living authentically.
Pray Away is not a horror film, but it contains unsettling themes related to the psychological effects of conversion therapy. Viewers may find certain moments distressing, particularly when personal stories reveal the trauma experienced by individuals involved in the movement.
Pray Away features many impactful quotes from its subjects, reflecting their struggles and revelations. One notable quote is from a former leader who states, 'I was trying to pray away something that was never meant to be taken away.' This encapsulates the film's central message about acceptance and authenticity.