Filmmaker Dara Van Dusen Tackles Timely Themes in Period Drama 'A Prayer for the Dying'

The debut feature from the Norwegian-American director explores epidemics, wildfires, and immigration through the lens of 1870s Wisconsin.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Dara Van Dusen's film 'A Prayer for the Dying,' which premieres at the Berlinale, is a period drama set in 1870s Wisconsin that grapples with timely themes like deadly epidemics, wildfires, and the role of immigrants in building America. The film, starring Johnny Flynn and John C. Reilly, follows a sheriff and a doctor who have differing views on how to handle these crises in their small town of Friendship.

Why it matters

Despite its historical setting, 'A Prayer for the Dying' explores issues that remain highly relevant today, including the impact of natural disasters, public health emergencies, and the ongoing debate around the role of faith versus science. Van Dusen's film offers a nuanced perspective on these complex topics, highlighting how they have cyclically impacted American society.

The details

In the film, sheriff Jacob Hansen (Johnny Flynn) and doctor 'Doc' (John C. Reilly) have contrasting approaches to dealing with the epidemics and wildfires ravaging their town of Friendship. Hansen, a veteran, begins to question his faith as he grapples with the disasters, while the more pragmatic Doc relies solely on logic and science. Van Dusen wanted to create a 'surreal' world that still felt rooted in reality, building the town of Friendship from scratch in Slovakia. She also assembled an international cast and crew, reflecting the diverse immigrant communities that helped shape 19th century Wisconsin.

  • The film is based on a novel by Stewart O'Nan published in 1999.
  • Van Dusen has been working on the project for over a decade.
  • The film was in post-production during the California wildfires.

The players

Dara Van Dusen

The Norwegian-American filmmaker making her feature directorial debut with 'A Prayer for the Dying.'

Johnny Flynn

The British actor starring as Sheriff Jacob Hansen in the film.

John C. Reilly

The acclaimed American actor portraying the character of 'Doc' in the film.

Stewart O'Nan

The author whose 1999 novel the film is based on.

Kristine Kujath Thorp

The Norwegian actress playing Jacob's wife Martha in the film.

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What they’re saying

“Hopefully, it doesn't feel too in-your-face. But history repeats itself. These things happened quite frequently in the 1800s, and they're happening again. It's part of the cycle.”

— Dara Van Dusen, Director (Variety)

“Everything has become so black and white these days, so right or wrong. It's never that way. People make mistakes, and maybe the right answer reveals itself later on.”

— Dara Van Dusen, Director (Variety)

“Suddenly, he's faced with all these issues as the leader of this town and the father of a young family. As his mind starts to unravel, he becomes an unreliable narrator. We're not sure if everything he's showing us, and telling us, is real.”

— Dara Van Dusen, Director (Variety)

What’s next

The film will have its world premiere at the 2026 Berlin International Film Festival in the Perspectives section.

The takeaway

Through its exploration of historical crises and their modern-day parallels, 'A Prayer for the Dying' offers a timely and nuanced perspective on the cyclical nature of disasters, the role of faith and science, and the enduring impact of immigrant communities in shaping the United States.