Beautiful Lourdes documentary now available for streaming

By Thomas V. Mirus ( bio - articles - email ) | Jul 05, 2024

Back in 2020, James Majewski and I reviewed Lourdes, a beautiful French arthouse documentary. At the time, the film was only playing in select theaters, but now, Lourdes can be streamed for free on Tubi and rented elsewhere. (I’m sure this is old news, but I didn’t realize it was streaming until today.)

The film, a big mainstream success in France, was directed by two acclaimed secular documentarians who were granted unprecedented filming access to Lourdes. I will quote the episode description from our original review of the film on Criteria: The Catholic Film Podcast:

“It is intensely moving and one of the best religious films in recent years. Written by a Catholic who used to care for the sick at Lourdes, it is an inside look at the spiritual and deeply human needs and aspirations that lead people to this place of miracles.

The film follows a a small selection of infirm individuals and their families making their way to Lourdes in hope of physical healing or spiritual consolation. These individuals are prompted to say their private prayers out loud, making visible their poverty and wounds, but also their hope in the power of the Lady who appeared to St. Bernadette in the grotto.

Particularly moving is the father of two very sick children, one of whom he brings to Lourdes with him. We see father and mother guiding their little boy in the ways of suffering and, even more, of intercessory prayer.”

Note that the film deals with some moral themes (related to the sufferings of various people who go to Lourdes) that are not appropriate for young viewers.

Below you can see our interview with screenwriter Sixtine Leon-Dufour, as well as our original review.