by D. Movieman
“Love isn’t something natural. Rather it requires discipline, concentration, patience, faith, and the overcoming of narcissism. It isn’t a feeling, it is a practice.” — Erich Fromm
One of my biggest challenges in life is learning to maintain belief and hope in a world that often showcases its absence. While I am absolutely a man of faith, recent years have tested that faith on more than one occasion. That being said, what’s helped me immensely (my mom, therapy, and prayer notwithstanding) is the genuine support of my best friends. With them, I have safe spaces to vent, be encouraged, seek advice, and so much more. My relationships with them are an important reminder that I’m not alone, and that my thoughts, my emotions, and my life truly matter to others.
That same reverence for friendships that sustain us and propel us toward a brighter future sits at the heart of Say a Little Prayer. Directed by Patrick Perez Vidauri, the film follows the lives of Adela, Christina, and Ruby—three friends whose supportive bond stands in stark contrast to their unfulfilled love lives. However, a supernatural twist occurs when Adela’s relatives intervene with a prayer to the patron saint, San Antonio. As a result, the women and their already complicated romantic paths are thrown off course.
The romance genre can be a fairly divisive one for many film lovers, especially the rom-com subgenre. For me, they’ve always provided a constant source of feel-good entertainment for late-night snacking. From Boomerang to My Best Friend’s Wedding to Two Can Play That Game and the recent Rye Lane, they carry fond memories I can always recall and appreciate upon rewatch. Say a Little Prayer captures much of that same charm, finding its greatest strength through the friendship of its three leads. Vannessa Vasquez, Jackie Cruz, and Vivian Lamolli share a natural chemistry that fuels the film’s heartwarming and witty moments.
The film also benefits from the presence of some familiar faces, offering a few welcome surprises along the way. This includes the legendary Angélica María, alongside appearances from Luis Fonsi, Tatanka Means, and Chris Kattan. Among them, Grammy-winning singer Luis Fonsi makes his acting debut as Rafael, a potential love interest. He does double duty here, creating and performing his first English-language song for the film, “Prayer in Your Eyes.” The fact that the song continues to replay in my head attests to its effectiveness and craftsmanship. I also appreciated how Say a Little Prayer takes time to showcase the beauty and warmth of San Antonio. It feels especially fitting, as the city’s namesake—Saint Anthony of Padua—plays a significant role in the story.
That said, the film is hindered by a supernatural framework that never fully explores its implications. It flirts with religious symbolism and magical realism but never fully commits to either. Moreover, the story doesn’t provide enough development for Ruby’s character, who is shortchanged in the film’s finale. Some performances are oddly uneven, while others lean into a campier, theatrical tone. Finally, though the film introduces elements of quirky comedy and budding romance, both feel underdeveloped.
If recent years have taught me anything, it’s that friendship, faith, and belief can significantly alter the trajectory of one’s life. Through their bond and the intervention of Saint Anthony, Adela, Christina, and Ruby hope to achieve the same. Though unexpected obstacles hinder their journey, a greater sense of love and community ultimately sets them back on the right path. It may be a simple message, but it’s one that Say a Little Prayer delivers with unexpected delight.
Rating: 7/10