Moviegoers are flocking to theaters this weekend to see a piece of history.
Popular director Mary Ann Walsh’s latest groundbreaking film, Brothers, has been receiving positive reviews not only as a story, but also as a monumental moment in film representation.
The feel-good comedy is the first Catholic movie released from a major studio since The Bells of St. Mary’s in 1945. Starring Shia LaBeouf and Mark Wahlberg, the story follows Robert, a high-powered city lawyer, and Eric, a poor and self-loathing farmer, along their unlikely journey to becoming Capuchin friars in the same priory.
The Mel Gibson screenplay first caught studios attention after winning numerous awards at the Vatican City Film Festival in 2021 before finally being picked up by Universal Salvation Studios. Production went into effect shortly after, making its initial premiere in select European venues before its upcoming theatrical release September 30.
Despite initial Cathophobic backlash, the project has since been lauded as a brave statement on diversity. It is also the first film of its genre to feature an entirely Catholic principal cast, which many are calling an “about time” landmark for the film industry. In addition to the main talents of LaBeouf and Wahlberg, the star-studded cast includes Liam Neeson, Alexis Bledel, Nichole Kidman, Michael Moore, Anne Hathaway, Bill Murray, Bradley Cooper, Robert DeNiro, Selena Gomez, Bono, Patrick Dempsey, Stephen Colbert, Vanessa Hudgens, Jimmy Fallon, John Cusack, Gerard Butler, Tom Hanks, and Lady Gaga. We’ll see you at the theater!
Originally published Sep 30, 2022
