Stream It Or Skip It: ‘Praise This’ on Peacock, A Family-Friendly Story of Jesus Jams That Actually Rocks

Ever wonder what Megan Thee Stallion would sound like she served God instead of just … you know, regularly served? Then Peacock original movie Praise This is exactly the kind of movie you want it to be. But even if you’re not the type who thinks that a movie that doesn’t shy away from the religiosity of its characters is up your alley, you might be surprised at how much there still is for you. This is a movie that extends a hand out to people outside its traditional audience rather than preaching for its own choir.  

PRAISE THIS: STREAM IT OR SKIP IT?

The Gist: After losing her mother, Angeleno bad girl Sam (Chloe Bailey) has the pleasure of moving with her extended family in Atlanta. That also includes her overbearing cousin Jess (Anjelika Washington), a motor-mouthed but big-hearted member of her big church’s praise crew. Sam doesn’t immediately vibe with the singing group, even if they do share her passion for music. (Though in fairness, few people seem to vibe with their old-fashioned and staid stylings – they get booed off the stage in the film’s opening scene!)

But with a little nudge, Sam joins the crew and enters the maelstrom of internal politics within the insular Christian music community. She first sees it as an opportunity to push forward her own music career and push others aside. Yet, with time, Sam slowly begins to see the value in all those around her and starts to share in their desire to win an upcoming singing competition.

What Movies Will It Remind You Of?: The model is exceedingly clear: Pitch Perfect, but make it praise music.

Performance Worth Watching: While this is clearly a Chloe Bailey star vehicle, it’s Anjelika Washington who proves the scene-stealer. There’s a fine line to tread as Jess – she has to read as clearly annoying to Sam without being so obnoxious that the audience also cannot tolerate her presence. The earnestness tinged with over-eagerness shines through.

Memorable Dialogue: While it’s tempting to pick a verse from a popular song converted into a Jesus Jam (hello, Megan Thee Stallion’s “Savage” – a serve!), Praise This has a number of profound and resonant lines pertaining to the struggles of faith and identity. “My mom had this wild faith in me – and in God, too – and I’m beginning to see how it all connects,” says Sam when everything starts to click. “How God loves us, how we love each other, and I didn’t understand that until I came here and met some really cool people who I know always have my back.”

Sex and Skin: As would befit a movie set in a community preoccupied with religion and decency, Praise This keeps it very PG in this realm.

Our Take: Praise This is the exceedingly rare film that doesn’t view faith and filmmaking at odds with one another. Director Tina Gordon never takes the spiritual sensibilities of the audience for granted, trying neither to preach to the choir nor aggressively evangelize to expand it. The film recognizes that there are plenty of people who view Christianity and being part of a church as a crucial, if not all-encompassing, portion of their lives. Rather than turning Christians into a monolith, Praise This is willing to get into the thorniness of their faith as they try to reconcile it with their varying struggles and desires. Even if you can see the turns coming a mile away, it’s still entertaining enough – especially when someone’s performing – and always honest.

Our Call: STREAM IT! Praise This is a toe-tapping good time that thinks differently about how to tell a story about Christians that isn’t exclusively for Christians. Be prepared to blast the tracks from Spotify because the lyrics are as catchy as the movie is fun.

Marshall Shaffer is a New York-based freelance film journalist. In addition to Decider, his work has also appeared on Slashfilm, Slant, The Playlist and many other outlets. Some day soon, everyone will realize how right he is about Spring Breakers.

Watch Praise This on Peacock