By the Grace of God (2019)
Kernel Score: 78% · 584 ratings
Genres: Drama
Released: 2019-02-20
Runtime: 137 minutes
Where to watch By the Grace of God
- Stream: Prime Video, OVID
- Free with ads: JustWatch TV Free, Kanopy, Hoopla, Darkroom, Fawesome
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Alexandre, a man in his 40s living in Lyon with his wife and children, discovers that the priest who abused him decades ago continues to work with children. He joins forces with others victims of the priest, to bring justice and “lift the burden of silence” about what they endured.
By the Grace of God parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that this French drama depicts real-life survivors confronting a pedophile priest and church cover-up.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Emotional and psychological distress from abuse disclosures rather than graphic on-screen violence.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Strong — Central plot involves recounted childhood sexual abuse by a priest; discussed in detail though not shown explicitly.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like By the Grace of God
If you liked By the Grace of God, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Polisse (2011) — 86%
- Manon of the Spring (1986) — 87%
- The 400 Blows (1959) — 89%
- The Hunt (2012) — 90%
- Mysterious Skin (2005) — 85%
- Sleepers (1996) — 87%
- Father Stu (2022) — 80%
- Spotlight (2015) — 87%
Director
Cast
- Melvil Poupaud as Alexandre Guérin
- Denis Ménochet as François Debord
- Swann Arlaud as Emmanuel Thomassin
- Éric Caravaca as Gilles Perret
- François Marthouret as Cardinal Philippe Barbarin
- Bernard Verley as Father Bernard Preynat
- Martine Erhel as Régine Maire
- Josiane Balasko as Irène, Emmanuel's Mother
- Hélène Vincent as Odile Debord, François' Mother
- François Chattot as Pierre Debord, François' Father
By the Grace of God FAQ
Is By the Grace of God good?
By the Grace of God has a 78% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 584 audience ratings.
Where can I watch By the Grace of God?
In the US you can stream By the Grace of God on Prime Video and OVID, watch it free with ads on JustWatch TV Free, Kanopy, Hoopla, Darkroom and Fawesome and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is By the Grace of God OK for kids?
Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that this French drama depicts real-life survivors confronting a pedophile priest and church cover-up.
What movies are like By the Grace of God?
If you liked By the Grace of God, try Polisse, Manon of the Spring, The 400 Blows and The Hunt.