As a parent who loves a good movie but also spends a lot of time curating what’s appropriate for my kids, I’ve had a lot of friends ask me about The Father Stu movie review for parents. This film, starring Mark Wahlberg, tells the real-life story of Stuart Long, a boxer turned Catholic priest, and offers plenty of themes about redemption, faith, and perseverance.
Father Stu Movie Review for Parents
But as any parent knows, not every movie with a positive message is necessarily kid-friendly. So, let’s dig in to see if Father Stu is worth watching—and if it’s something you’d want to enjoy with your older kids.
Plot and Storyline
Father Stu centers around Stuart Long, a man whose rough past is filled with mistakes and misguided ambitions. After a string of unfortunate events, including a near-fatal motorcycle accident, Stu undergoes a major spiritual transformation. He eventually decides to become a Catholic priest, despite the numerous challenges and obstacles that come his way. It’s a story about resilience, redemption, and finding one’s true purpose—a compelling message for both adults and older teens.
The plot is genuinely inspiring and dives deep into themes of hope and faith, but it’s also raw. Unlike some of the faith-based movies that feel overly sanitized, Father Stu doesn’t shy away from showing the rougher edges of Stuart’s journey. From his years as a boxer to his struggles with health issues, the movie paints a realistic picture of how personal change doesn’t come without setbacks.
The Main Cast
Mark Wahlberg as Stuart Long
Mark Wahlberg takes on the titular role of Stuart Long, delivering a performance that is both gritty and heartfelt. Wahlberg has been no stranger to tough characters, but here, he adds an emotional vulnerability that makes his portrayal of Stu particularly poignant. Wahlberg’s dedication to the role is evident—he gained a significant amount of weight to portray Stu’s health struggles and spent months preparing for the emotional depth the role required.
As a parent, I appreciate Wahlberg’s willingness to show both the good and the bad in Stu. He doesn’t sugarcoat Stu’s journey; instead, he portrays a flawed human being who is striving to be better. It’s an essential reminder that redemption isn’t easy, nor is it perfect, but it’s always possible.
Mel Gibson as Bill Long
Mel Gibson plays Bill Long, Stu’s estranged father, who is initially skeptical about his son’s newfound calling. Gibson’s performance is raw and often heartbreaking, as he portrays a man grappling with his own regrets while trying to reconnect with his son. While Gibson’s portrayal may be difficult to watch at times—especially as it touches on the strained father-son relationship—it adds another layer of depth to Stu’s journey.
Jacki Weaver as Kathleen Long
Jacki Weaver plays Kathleen, Stu’s mother, who brings warmth and compassion to the screen. As a parent, her character resonated with me the most. Kathleen is supportive, worried, and hopeful—all at once. Weaver does an incredible job of showing the strength and love of a mother who never gives up on her child, no matter how hard things get.
Parent Perspective: Is Father Stu Kid-Friendly?
The Father Stu movie review for parents is rated R, and for good reason. Parents’ reviews, such as those from ScreenIt, highlight the strong language throughout the film—over 100 instances of profanity, including strong expletives and scatological curses. The movie also deals with mature themes like addiction, strained family relationships, and health issues, which might be overwhelming for younger audiences.
Some scenes depict violence, particularly from Stu’s days as a boxer, and scenes involving his health struggles, which can be quite intense. Some parents have noted that the gritty and raw portrayal of Stuart’s journey, while authentic, could be too heavy for children or those seeking a more uplifting, family-friendly film.
For families with teenagers, Father Stu could spark meaningful conversations about redemption, faith, and perseverance. However, due to its mature content, it’s definitely not suitable for younger kids. As a parent, I’d recommend watching it first on your own to decide if it’s appropriate for your older teens, especially if you’re concerned about language or difficult themes.
Positives of Father Stu
As a parent, I appreciated Father Stu’s rawness. Unlike other faith-based movies that can feel overly polished, this film takes an honest look at a man’s journey to redemption, showing that it’s never a straight line. Stu’s struggles make his eventual transformation all the more impactful. The movie doesn’t preach—it shows. It’s about finding faith in the midst of real, tangible struggles, which can be more relatable to a wider audience.
Wahlberg, Gibson, and Weaver’s performances are another big plus. They each bring depth and authenticity to their characters, making the story feel grounded and real. Wahlberg, in particular, pours his heart into Stu, portraying both the rough edges and the softer moments with sincerity.
Negatives of Father Stu
That said, Father Stu isn’t without its flaws. The strong language throughout the movie could be off-putting if you’re expecting a more typical family-friendly, faith-based film. The Father Stu movie review for parents is often mention the “extreme” use of language, which may be a concern for those wanting a cleaner viewing experience. The pacing can also feel slow at times, especially as the film moves from Stu’s wild years to his quieter, more introspective moments. For some, the tonal shifts—from humor to drama to tragedy—might feel abrupt or disjointed.
Additionally, the film’s rawness might be too much for viewers expecting a feel-good movie. Father Stu isn’t afraid to show the darker parts of life, and that includes a good amount of suffering. As a parent, I found these elements added authenticity to the story, but it’s definitely something to keep in mind before watching.
Conclusion: A Movie About Redemption, but Not for the Whole Family
Father Stu is an inspiring film that delivers a powerful message about redemption, perseverance, and faith, but it’s not a light or easy watch. For parents, it might be best enjoyed after the kids have gone to bed, particularly due to its language and mature themes. If you’re comfortable with these elements, you’ll find a moving story about a man’s transformation against all odds, portrayed brilliantly by Mark Wahlberg.
It’s also a film that can lead to meaningful discussions with older teens about life’s challenges, the importance of second chances, and how faith can help us find our way even in the darkest of times. Just be sure to preview it first—you know, the way we parents do, to make sure it fits what we’d want our teens to see.
Father Stu – FAQ
Father Stu is a biographical drama that tells the story of Stuart Long, a boxer-turned-priest who finds faith and decides to enter the priesthood after experiencing a series of life-changing events. The film explores themes of redemption, hope, and perseverance.
Yes, Father Stu is based on the real-life story of Father Stuart Long. His journey from a troubled young man to a devoted Catholic priest has inspired many, and the movie aims to capture the challenges and spiritual transformation he underwent.
The lead role of Stuart Long is played by Mark Wahlberg, who also co-produced the film. Wahlberg underwent significant physical transformation to portray different stages of Stuart Long’s life.
Father Stu contains some strong language, mature themes, and intense moments, making it more suitable for older teens and adults. Parents may want to consider these elements before deciding to watch it with younger children.
The central message of Father Stu revolves around faith, redemption, and finding purpose despite adversity. It encourages viewers to reflect on personal challenges and the transformative power of hope and spirituality.
Yes, Father Stu is largely a faith-based film, though it takes an unvarnished and realistic approach to its storytelling. It includes mature themes and depicts the struggles and triumphs of Stuart Long’s spiritual journey.
While Father Stu is based on the real-life story of Stuart Long, certain artistic liberties have been taken for dramatic effect. The film stays true to the core aspects of his transformation and the challenges he faced but may include added dramatizations to enhance the narrative.
Is Father Stu Appropriate for Family Viewing
In the end, Father Stu is a story about humanity, flaws and all, and a reminder that it’s never too late to find a new path. If you’re looking for a movie with heart, authenticity, and a bit of grit, then give Father Stu a watch—but maybe keep the remote handy if little ones are around.
