Watch Saint Judy

In the film Saint Judy, Michelle Monaghan plays the lead role of Judy Wood, a lawyer dedicated to helping those seeking political asylum in the United States. Her story begins when she is a single mother working in a small law firm, struggling to make ends meet. Craving a fresh start, she packs up her young son and moves to Los Angeles.

Judy soon begins working for an immigration law firm, where she quickly becomes known for her tenacity and passion for helping those in need. Her determination to make a difference leads her to tackle a seemingly impossible case - representing an Afghan woman named Asefa Ashwari (played by Leem Lubany), who fled her home country after facing persecution for educating girls.

Despite facing numerous roadblocks and obstacles, Judy is unwavering in her pursuit of justice for Asefa. Her efforts even catch the attention of Immigration Judge Benton (played by Alfred Molina), who initially doubts Judy's abilities but comes to respect her dedication to her clients.

As her case with Asefa heats up, Judy finds herself butting heads with her own boss (played by Alfred Molina) who is not supportive of her work, and also must overcome her own insecurities to fight for what's right. Along the way, she receives valuable support from her friend and mentor, played by Common.

Saint Judy is a powerful and moving film, based on the true story of Judy Wood and her work as an immigration lawyer. The film tackles important issues surrounding immigration and the legal system's response to those seeking asylum in the US. Through Judy's character, the film highlights the challenges that asylum seekers face, including language barriers and a system that is often stacked against them.

Michelle Monaghan's performance as Judy is truly outstanding, as she brings to life the determination, passion, and heart that Wood displayed in her real-life work. Her portrayal of Wood shows the complicated personal and professional journey of a strong-willed woman fighting an entrenched system. There is no doubt that Monaghan makes the character her own, portraying Judy's fierce belief in justice and unwavering dedication to her clients with skill and nuance.

The film's supporting cast also shine, with Lubany and Common playing key roles in the story of Judy's legal battle. Lubany's portrayal of Asefa is deeply moving as she conveys the fears and emotions of a woman who has fled danger in her home country in search of a better life. Meanwhile, Common's character provides emotional support and becomes a crucial ally to Judy throughout the film.

The film's direction by Sean Hanish is first-rate, as he brings a masterful touch to the true story of Judy Wood's fight for justice. The camera work is often intimate and personal, immersing the viewer in the story and allowing them to connect with the characters on a deeper level. Hanish also artfully addresses the injustices of the immigration system and how it fails those in desperate need of help.

In conclusion, Saint Judy is a highly emotional and powerhouse film that tells an unforgettable story of one woman's fight for justice in the face of hopeless odds. Michelle Monaghan gives an incredibly affecting performance that serves as a tribute to Judy Wood's unwavering dedication to helping those in need, while the rest of the talented cast delivers top-notch performances supporting her character's journey. The movie masterfully shines a light on the broken immigration system and, for anyone who believes in justice, makes understanding this issue all the more compelling.

Saint Judy is a 2019 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 51.