Dazzling Debut 'A Prayer for the Dying' Explores Moral Fiber in 1870s Wisconsin

Johnny Flynn and John C. Reilly star in this revisionist Western based on Stewart O'Nan's novella, marking the impressive feature debut of director Dara Van Dusen.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Set in 1870 Wisconsin, Dara Van Dusen's Berlin-bowing first feature 'A Prayer for the Dying' is a revisionist Western based on Stewart O'Nan's novella. The film follows Norwegian immigrant and Civil War veteran Jacob Hansen, the local constable, undertaker and preacher, as he tries to deal with a diphtheria outbreak and a looming wildfire threatening his town of Friendship. Starring Johnny Flynn in a standout performance, the film also features a scene-stealing turn from veteran actor John C. Reilly.

Why it matters

This tragic period drama set on the American frontier is drawing comparisons to other recent acclaimed films like 'Train Dreams,' highlighting a trend of revisionist Westerns that offer a grittier, more gothic vision of the 19th century American West. The film also marks the impressive feature debut of director Dara Van Dusen, cementing the reputations of its talented cast and crew.

The details

Inspired by the photographic anthology 'Wisconsin Death Trip' and the writings of Stewart O'Nan, 'A Prayer for the Dying' follows Jacob Hansen, a Norwegian immigrant and Civil War veteran who serves as the constable, undertaker and preacher in the small Wisconsin town of Friendship. As a diphtheria outbreak ravages the town and a wildfire closes in, Jacob struggles to protect his loved ones and community while also grappling with his own trauma from the war. The film features a striking visual style, with DP Kate McCullough's sun-bleached and blood-colored cinematography complementing the gothic, revisionist take on the American West.

  • The film premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival in February 2026.
  • The film comes just over a year after the release of the similar period drama 'Train Dreams' at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.

The players

Dara Van Dusen

The writer-director of 'A Prayer for the Dying,' making her impressive feature debut after some well-received short films. Van Dusen trained at the Polish National Film School in Lodz and now lives in Norway.

Johnny Flynn

The lead actor of the film, playing Norwegian immigrant and Civil War veteran Jacob Hansen, the central character of the story.

John C. Reilly

The veteran character actor who delivers a scene-stealing performance in a more serious role, similar to William H. Macy's part in 'Train Dreams.'

Kristine Kujath Thorp

The up-and-coming Norwegian actress who plays Jacob's fragile wife Marta.

Kate McCullough

The film's director of photography, whose stylized, sun-bleached and blood-colored cinematography is a key part of the film's visual style.

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What they’re saying

“Where Train Dreams was, for some, a little too under the ponderous spell of Terrence Malick, with all those wind-ruffled landscapes and figures backlit by magic-hour sunsets, A Prayer for the Dying appears to draw inspiration from grubbier, more gothic visions of the American West.”

— Leslie Felperin, Film Critic (The Hollywood Reporter)

What’s next

The film is expected to continue generating awards season buzz and critical acclaim as it expands to more festivals and theatrical release.

The takeaway

A Prayer for the Dying marks the arrival of an impressive new directorial talent in Dara Van Dusen, who has crafted a gripping and visually striking revisionist Western that explores timeless themes of morality, faith and the human toll of tragedy. The film's standout performances and meticulous period detail make it a must-see for fans of thoughtful, character-driven dramas set against the backdrop of the 19th century American frontier.