Father Stu

In the quiet town of Helena, Montana, Stuart Long faces the emotional turmoil of his family's unresolved grief following the death of his brother. This unresolved pain heavily influences Stuart's dreams and aspirations, particularly when his parents express hostility towards faith.

Determined to achieve his dreams, Stuart relocates to Los Angeles, aiming for a career in acting. To support himself, he takes a mundane job at a grocery store, yet his heart remains set on stardom.

Stuart's pursuit of success is overshadowed by a DUI incident, revealing the challenges he faces in maintaining his focus. In a reckless moment, he even attempts to hijack his father's truck as he desperately seeks an audition opportunity.

During this tumultuous phase, Stuart encounters Carmen, a woman whose charm captivates him. Her strong dedication to her faith becomes a significant influence in Stuart's life, urging him to reevaluate his path.

Carmen presents Stuart with the option to get baptized and join the RCIA program. Although he is initially hesitant, Stuart ultimately embraces this spiritual journey, marking a turning point in his life.

As Stuart delves deeper into faith, he forms friendships with fellow parishioners like Ham and Jacob. This newfound spiritual fellowship helps him gain confidence but also faces him with challenges from Jacob's disapproval of his decisions.

After garnering hope from his spiritual development, Stuart suffers a setback when he loses out on a role in an infomercial. Seeking distraction, he turns to a local bar, where unforeseen consequences await him.

At the bar, Stuart's decision to ignore a warning about drunk driving leads him to ride his motorcycle, resulting in a devastating accident. This near-fatal incident serves as a wake-up call and compels him to confront his life choices.

While recovering in the hospital, Stuart experiences a profound vision of the Virgin Mary. This moment compels him to reflect on the legacy he wishes to leave and the significance of his faith journey.

After his miraculous recovery, Stuart reassesses his romantic feelings for Carmen and decides to pursue a calling towards the priesthood. This decision transforms his life, inspiring both support and opposition from those around him.

As Stuart applies for the seminary, he encounters initial setbacks. Despite these challenges, he receives support from Ham and Jacob, further solidifying their shared commitment to their spiritual journeys.

Stuart's persistent dedication pays off as he is eventually accepted into the seminary program. This significant milestone marks the beginning of a profound journey that reshapes his life.

While playing basketball, Stuart sustains an injury that leads to a diagnosis of inclusion body myositis, a rare muscle disease. This diagnosis brings about feelings of anger towards God, yet he learns to find peace in his sufferings.

As Stuart navigates his decline, his family steps up for support, demonstrating a renewed commitment to care for him. His father, in particular, seeks reconciliation through Alcoholics Anonymous, showcasing growth and understanding.

Despite his physical struggles, a devoted community helps Stuart achieve his dream of ordination. Surrounded by loved ones, he begins a meaningful ministerial role, embodying resilience and compassion in his service.