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Come Sunday

Come Sunday

Believer. Preacher. Heretic.

2018106 minTV-14Midcredits score: 48th percentile of all films
Director
Joshua Marston
Starring
Chiwetel Ejiofor, Martin Sheen, Danny Glover, Dola Rashad

Evangelist Carlton Pearson is ostracized by his church for preaching that there is no Hell.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Come Sunday?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Come Sunday streaming on Netflix.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Come Sunday?

Come Sunday earns 4 badges, led by Star-studded and Standout acting.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Cast

Reception

Is Come Sunday worth watching?

Come Sunday's Midcredits score is the 48th percentile of all films, from 5.3K ratings across 5 sources. 45% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

48th percentile

Better received than 48% of films

22nd percentile among Biography48th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)50th
Approval (how many liked it)45th

62 /100

50th percentile of all films

26th percentile among Biography51st percentile among 2010s

Critics 65 · Audience 61

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.1 — solid but not unanimous.

Approval

How many liked it

45% liked it

45th percentile of all films

20th percentile among Biography44th percentile among 2010s
45% rated it 7–1055% rated it 1–6

Critics 69% · Audience 61%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Reach

How many have seen it

67th percentile

5.3K ratings across platforms

44th percentile among Biography70th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 16% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

A biopic about a Pentecostal preacher who questions the doctrine of hell.

Fans praised

  • Chiwetel Ejiofor's tour-de-force performance
  • thought-provoking message about inclusion and challenging tradition
  • balanced portrayal of sincere religious people grappling with faith

Detractors panned

  • teaches false doctrine contradicting biblical hell
  • spreads confusion and deception about salvation

What stands out

ActingDivisive87

Ejiofor's powerful, charismatic, and vulnerable performance widely praised; critics agree he elevates the film

Emotional impactDivisive70

Moving story of personal conviction and ostracism; some detractors unmoved by message

Characters65

Sympathetic portrayal of Pearson and others, but some found them superficially drawn

Originality60

Bold topic but standard biopic structure; some saw it as derivative

Plot and storyDivisive48

Surface-level exploration of theological shift; interesting but lacks depth and excitement

Preferred by

US vs non-US

Preferred by US Viewers

US viewers scored it 12 points higher than non-US viewers.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 2 points apart

Watch experience

What is Come Sunday like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Quiet and reflective: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are in a patient, quiet mood.

It is gentle, takes its time and leaves you thinking. Skip it when you want things to move fast.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Patience.

What it feels like

Quiet and reflective.

Moods
ContemplativeMelancholicBittersweet
Heaviest: late
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Tender · 13% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its subject with genine graity, portraying Pearson's crsis and its fallot with respectul incerity.
The rideReviews note restrained introspection, emotional weight builds as the minister faces ostracism; the heaviest moment is likely his rejection and its aftermath.
StructureConventional biograhical drama told linarly.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Thinking.

Thought-provokingHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's central message of universal salvation lingers, arguing for inclusion beyond dogma.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Rebirth
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13% (this title): Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% (this title) · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Liberation: Breaking free of a confining life (Room).

13% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeA preacher's crisis of faith leads him to a universalist theology, and his subsequent ostracism forms the story.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfFaithSociety
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9% (this title): Community 14% (this title) · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% (this title) · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% (this title) · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Society

Faith · 3% of filmsCommunity · 14% of films: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Truth · 4% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores a man's faith being tested when his honest theological conviction collides with the institution that gave his life meaning.
StanceThe film questions faith and institutional orthodoxy without mocking, offering sympathetic views to all sides.

The world

Late 20th centuryInstitutionalUrbanRealistic
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score · Tamar-kali
SettingAn evangelical megachurch in Oklahoma, late 20th century.
MusicThe score likely underscores the emotional gravity without overwhelming the performances.

Content guide

Is Come Sunday okay for kids?

TV-14

Come Sunday is rated TV-14. As of March 15, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at minimal (0/100), sexual content at minimal (0/100), language at moderate (50/100) and drug and alcohol content at minimal (0/100). None has enough votes to rank yet.

Ratings in 5 other countries
  • Germany12
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil14
  • Poland16
  • RO12
Overall
Mild · 4 of 5 categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (1 vote)
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (2 votes)
Profanity
Moderate
too few votes to rank (2 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (1 vote)

Too few votes to rank this title overall (6 votes across 4 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Come Sunday have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Come Sunday?

Cast

4 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Chiwetel Ejiofor
as Carlton Pearson
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Martin Sheen
as Oral Roberts
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Danny Glover
as Quincy
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Dola Rashad
as Gina Pearson
Jason Segel
as Henry
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
LaKeith Stanfield
as Reggie
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Joni Bovill
as Yvette Flunder
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Tracey Bonner
as Kiesha
Selena Anduze
as Claire
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Tonea Stewart
as Lillie Ruth

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Come Sunday?

Movies like Come Sunday include The Case for Christ (2017), The Song of Bernadette (1943) and Against the Ropes (2004). Of the 12 closest matches, most are biopics, and half are films set in a religious community.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

7 of these 12 share its subject: faith. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Come Sunday?

733 other films share the rarest tag below, follows: clergy. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.