Dial A Prayer 2015

Cora is stuck in a job she loathes, working at a church for “Dial a Prayer.” As soon as the clock strikes 4:00, she eagerly escapes to her cozy suburban home, where her mother, Mary, grapples with mental health issues, and her father, a busy lawyer, is seldom around.

Despite her disdain for the job, Cora’s situation is far from simple. It’s revealed that her father’s connections allowed her to receive a light sentence after she and a group of wayward individuals were involved in a grave incident at the church. Faced with the grim alternative of jail time, Cora begrudgingly endures her days surrounded by what she derogatorily refers to as “freaks.”

These co-workers partake in awkward, cheerful activities that feel more like distractions than actual training. Volleyball in the church gym is mandatory, and although Cora isn’t keen on sports, she’s pressured to join. With Thanksgiving approaching and the town blanketed in snow, Cora perceives her surroundings as cold and gloomy.

Among her colleagues is Bill, the pastor who strives to maintain a positive atmosphere. However, he doesn’t hesitate to remind Cora that her performance needs improvement, warning her that quitting would bring undesirable consequences. Siobhan, a well-meaning co-worker in the adjacent cubicle, attempts to assist Cora, reflecting the supportive environment around her.

Gradually, Cora begins to take her role more seriously, so much so that callers request her specifically. One individual, Chase, expresses a desire to meet her due to her exceptional support over the phone. Although Cora is hesitant, the potential for romance becomes evident.

In contrast, a figure from her troubled past appears at her doorstep, revealing a longing to pull her back into their reckless ways. Flashbacks hint at the risky adventures that landed Cora in her current predicament. Surprisingly, Cora possesses not just a knack for helping others over the phone but also extraordinary healing abilities, blurring the line between good and bad within her.

Cora is far from a perfect character; her language is rough enough that it would likely need edits for television. Yet, hints of redemption flicker as her mother reminisces about her days portraying the angel Gabriel in a Christmas production at church. With the holiday season approaching, the atmosphere should be joyful, but for Cora, it remains anything but merry.