Synopsis
Ulysses is a shy and effeminate boy who finds himself coping with new responsibilities as man of the house after the death of his father. Living alongside his mother, younger brother, and conservative aunt, Ulysses is also struggling with questions about his gender identity. He finds an escape by creating a world of fantasy filled with dance and music. Ulysses' journey takes a turn for the better when he finds a vibrant transgender community.
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Cast
- Luka KainUlysses
- Margot BinghamAmara
- Regina TaylorAunt Rose
- Marquis RodriguezRaymond
- Michaela Jaé RodriguezEbony
- Jaylin FletcherAbe
- Indya MooreDijon
- Alexia GarciaHeaven
Recommendations
- 89
Paste Magazine
Half musical and half drama, it finds balance in poetic stillness and exuberant motion. - 80
The New York Times
It is a disarmingly and consistently sensitive movie that remains engaging even when its reach sometimes exceeds its grasp. - 80
The Hollywood Reporter
Blending sensitive drama with musical fantasy and a heart worn unapologetically on its sleeve, Saturday Church is a modest charmer that plays almost like a narrative response to last year's feature documentary Kiki, about the New York voguing scene. - 80
Variety
The movie’s not only appropriate for teen audiences, but also constructive in the way it invites viewers to consider and discuss issues of intolerance and hypocrisy, even as it encourages those who don’t fit the straight, marriage-oriented paradigm to embrace their own identities. - 80
Los Angeles Times
Sensitively written and directed by Damon Cardasis, the movie is punctuated by an affecting string of musical numbers (Cardasis co-wrote the film's song lyrics with composer Nathan Larson) that deepen and enliven this lovely, vital tale. - 75
RogerEbert.com
A sweet film with a purity of purpose and intent, elevating it above other films portraying similar struggles. - 67
The Playlist
As a film, Saturday Church could so much more, and its disheartening shyness keeps it from achieving greatness. A few choir boys short of a hallelujah, Saturday Church feels more like a subdued sermon. - 58
The Film Stage
Most admirable in Saturday Church is the palpable level of conviction that the cast and filmmakers give to this story of a queer, marginalized youth. Despite a script that seems to service didacticism over genuinely achieved dramatic moments, you can feel Cardasis’ compassion for his characters and the joy the actors bring to their roles.
