Watch Sympathy for Delicious

Sympathy for Delicious is a 2010 independent film that is written by, directed by, and stars Christopher Thornton in the lead role. The movie has an ensemble cast including Mark Ruffalo, Laura Linney, and Juliette Lewis. The story follows Dean O'Dwyer (Christopher Thornton), a paraplegic who gains the power to heal people with his touch, but is unable to heal himself.

The film opens with O'Dwyer performing stand-up comedy in a dive bar in Los Angeles. He is a DJ for a local rock band but dreams of becoming famous. However, he is met with hecklers who taunt him about his disability, which leads him to cast his crutches aside in rage. O'Dwyer's journey begins to take a supernatural turn when a group of homeless people invites him to a church where they feed him and give him an unknown potion. After drinking the potion, O'Dwyer realizes that he has been blessed by God with the power to heal others.

As his newfound gift becomes well-known, O'Dwyer is quickly approached by various Hollywood agents, promoters, and musicians who want to exploit his healing powers. When he teams up with a struggling rock band, The Stain (led by Mark Ruffalo), he quickly becomes part of the LA music scene. However, he soon realizes that he is being used and becomes disillusioned with his gift. O'Dwyer's best friend, Father Joe (played by Mark Ruffalo), tries to help him understand the meaning of his gift, but Dean is depressed and feels hopeless because he can't heal himself.

In search of relief, O'Dwyer turns to Nina Hogue (Laura Linney), a celebrity faith healer who also takes him under her wing. With Nina's help, O'Dwyer gains access to exclusive events, luxury cars, and audiences with major celebrities. As he becomes more famous, he finds himself being more disconnected from his real self, and he starts to see himself as nothing more than a freak show. Meanwhile, his bandmates resent him for stealing their thunder and their chance at fame, and a sleazy promoter, played by Orlando Bloom, tries to exploit his talent.

At a pivotal moment in the story, O'Dwyer realizes that he is tired of being controlled by others and wants to take back his power. He decides to use his gift to heal Father Joe, who is terminally ill. In doing so, he finally finds peace and redemption.

The film is a dark fable that explores the themes of faith, redemption, and personal responsibility. The plot is gritty and has a noir-ish feel to it that is reminiscent of the classic films of the 1970s. The movie also features an excellent soundtrack that blends rock, gospel, and hip-hop elements. The performances by the cast are top-notch, with Christopher Thornton delivering an outstanding portrayal of a man at the end of his rope.

Overall, Sympathy for Delicious is a powerful movie that delivers a poignant message about the nature of being human. With its compelling plot, strong cast, and excellent direction, it is a must-watch for anyone who loves thought-provoking films that tackle complex themes in a profound way.