In 1996, Denzel Washington made us root for a ghost, thanks to his role in the cult classic, The Preacher’s Wife.
The film, which was a modern adaptation of the 1947 movie, The Bishop’s Wife, was centered around an angel, Dudley (Denzel Washington) who descends from heaven to help a preacher, Rev. Henry Biggs (Courtney B. Vance) rediscover his purpose as a community leader as well as strengthen his bond with his family, especially his wife Julia who is portrayed by the late Whitney Houston.
What is The Preacher’s Wife about?
Directed by Penny Marshall, the film sees Vance’s Rev. Biggs lead a small, struggling Black. With the church facing financial ruin, declining attendance, and pressure from a real estate developer to sell, Henry becomes increasingly preoccupied with his troubles, neglecting his wife Julia (Whitney Houston) and their son, Jeremiah. With nothing else left to do, Henry prays for help, and his wish is granted by Dudley (Denzel Washington), a charming angel. Dudley’s presence brings transformative changes to Henry’s life as Christmas gets closer and further illuminates the church’s importance.
Who else stars in the film?
Along with Houston as Julia, Washington as Dudley, and Vance as Rev. Biggs, Gregory Hines is Benny, the businessman looking to buy the church property, Loretta Devine plays church secretary Pearl, and Jenifer Lewis is church member Annie and one of Julia’s closest friends.
Themes of faith and renewal
Centered around the church, The Preacher’s Wife sits at the intersection of faith, doubt, and the struggle people often encounter when trying to remain optimistic while facing adversity. Particularly, the film highlights the Black church and its role as the cornerstone of the community, as well as the struggles that religious leaders face to keep things running smoothly.
It showcases that church is much more than just gathering to hear the word of God, but moreso a place where community thrives, with one scene in particular touching on how outside of the church, pastors show up for their congregation members when Pastor Biggs helps a young teen who has found himself in trouble with the law.
This film further solidifies Houston’s nickname, The Voice, became the mic stayed ON for the entire film! Her performances of “I Believe In You and Me,” “I Love The Lord,” and “Who Would Imagine A King,” in the film were soul-stirring, and the soundtrack for The Preacher’s Wife even went on to become one of the best-selling gospel albums of all-time.
What happens at the end of ‘The Preacher’s Wife’?
After Dudley’s divine intervention helps to breathe purpose back into Henry and teaches him the importance of showing up for his family as much as he does for those in the church, the holiday season draws to a close and Dudley completely wipes the memories of his presence from everyone’s memory.
Rather than having the family credit him for the major shifts in their lives, Dudley decides that erasing their memories will help them credit their transformation to their own strength and ability to keep the faith. In the final scene, Henry delivers a powerful sermon and Julia’s angelic performance of “My Heart Is Calling” brings the film’s message of redemption, family and Christmas miracles full circle.
Where is ‘The Preacher’s Wife’ streaming?
The Preacher’s Wife is currently available to stream on The Roku Channel and Hulu.
The post ‘The Preacher’s Wife’ Ending, Explained: Angelic Influence Of Denzel Washington’s Dudley And Its Message Of Hope appeared first on Blavity.
