Saint Ralph (2005): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2005, Saint Ralph is a comedy and drama film directed by Michael McGowan, running about 95 minutes. “He's hoping for a miracle. He doesn't have a prayer.” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. This Canadian made comedy/drama, set in Hamilton, Ontario in 1954, is a sweet and - at times - goofy story that becomes increasingly poignant as the minutes tick by. It's the fictional tale of a wayward 9th grader, Ralph (Adam Butcher), who is secretly living on his own while his widowed, hospitalized mother remains immersed in a coma. Frequently in trouble with Father Fitzpatrick (Gordon Pinsent), the principal of his all-boys, Catholic school, Ralph is considered something of a joke among peers until he decides to pull off a miracle that could save his mother, i.e., winning the Boston Marathon. Coached by a younger priest and former runner, Father Hibbert (Campbell Scott), whose cynicism has been lifted by the boy's pure hope, Ralph applies himself to his unlikely mission, fending off naysayers and getting help along a very challenging path from sundry allies and friends.

Who’s in it. Saint Ralph stars Adam Butcher as Ralph Walker, Campbell Scott as Father George Hibbert, Michael Kanev as Chester Jones and Gordon Pinsent, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.8/10, Saint Ralph has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response. It went on to earn $489.4K at the box office.

Where to watch. In US you can stream it on Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Prime Video with Ads and rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies and YouTube. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Saint Ralph page.

If you liked it. Fans of Saint Ralph tend to enjoy Forrest Gump, Parasite, Life Is Beautiful and Fight Club.