Is Mr. Church Based on a True Story? Know It's Plot and Ending
by Aishwarya R
Updated Jul 10, 2023
Mr. Church
Mr. Church is a heartfelt comedy-drama film released in 2016. Directed by Bruce Beresford and written by Susan McMartin, the movie tells a touching story of an unconventional friendship that blossoms under unique circumstances. The central plot revolves around a little girl and her dying mother who hire the services of a talented cook named Henry Joseph Church, portrayed by Eddie Murphy. Initially, the arrangement is intended to last for only six months, but it unexpectedly extends for fifteen years, ultimately forging an unbreakable family bond.
Eddie Murphy's portrayal of Henry Joseph Church showcases his versatility as an actor. Known primarily for his comedic roles, Murphy delivers a compelling and nuanced performance, displaying his dramatic range and capturing the depth of his character's experiences. The film also stars Britt Robertson as the young girl, whose life is deeply impacted by the presence of Mr. Church. Natascha McElhone portrays the girl's mother, who, despite her terminal illness, strives to provide a stable and loving environment for her daughter through the presence of Mr. Church.
Mr. Church masterfully combines elements of comedy and drama to explore themes of friendship, love, and the importance of chosen family. The story is a poignant exploration of human connection, showcasing how unexpected relationships can profoundly influence and shape our lives. The director, Bruce Beresford, known for his work on acclaimed films such as "Driving Miss Daisy," skillfully guides the narrative, infusing it with a sense of authenticity and emotional depth. Susan McMartin's screenplay effectively balances light-hearted moments with poignant scenes, allowing the audience to connect with the characters on a deep level.
Throughout the film, "Mr. Church" presents viewers with a series of heartwarming and bittersweet moments that tug at their heartstrings. It explores themes of loss, acceptance, and the power of resilience, ultimately delivering a message of hope and the enduring power of human connection. The movie garnered mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. While some praised the performances and the emotional depth of the story, others felt that the narrative lacked cohesion and failed to fully explore certain aspects of the characters' lives. Nonetheless, Eddie Murphy's performance was widely recognized and appreciated for its departure from his usual comedic roles.
Mr. Church is a compelling comedy-drama that delves into the complexities of human relationships and the profound impact they can have on our lives. Through its touching story, memorable performances, and exploration of universal themes, the film leaves a lasting impression and serves as a testament to the enduring power of love, friendship, and chosen family.
Is Mr. Church Based on a True Story?
No, "Mr. Church" is not based on a true story. The movie is a work of fiction written by Susan McMartin, who drew inspiration from her own experiences and the time she spent with her real-life cook named Mr. Church. The story and characters in the film are fictional creations, although they may have been influenced by McMartin's personal interactions with her own Mr. Church. The movie aims to explore themes of friendship, love, and the impact of unexpected relationships, but it is not a biographical account or a true story.
It is a fictional movie written by Susan McMartin, who was inspired by her own personal experiences and the time she spent with her real-life cook referred to as Mr. Church. While McMartin's interactions with her own Mr. Church may have influenced the story, the characters and events depicted in the film are fictional creations. The movie delves into the tale of a unique friendship that develops between a little girl, her dying mother, and the talented cook named Henry Joseph Church, portrayed by Eddie Murphy.
The film explores the bond that forms between them over a span of fifteen years, surpassing the initial six-month arrangement. Despite the initial expectation of a short-term arrangement, their connection grows into a lasting family relationship. Although "Mr. Church" draws inspiration from the author's personal experiences, it is important to recognize that the story and characters are fictional. The film aims to explore themes such as friendship, love, and the impact of unexpected relationships.
It portrays the power of chosen family and the lasting impact that individuals can have on each other's lives. While the movie may resonate with viewers due to its themes of human connection and the transformative power of relationships, it is essential to understand that "Mr. Church" is a work of fiction and not based on a true story or real-life events.
Mr. Church Plot
The plot of the movie "Mr. Church" revolves around the life of Charlotte "Charlie" Brooks, a young girl living with her single mother, Marie Brooks, in Los Angeles in 1971. One day, Charlie wakes up to the smell of cooking and discovers a stranger named Mr. Church in their kitchen. She learns that he has been hired by a wealthy man who had a relationship with her mother, and he is now their cook.
Initially distrustful of Mr. Church, Charlie urges her mother to fire him. However, when she discovers that her mother has been diagnosed with terminal breast cancer and that Mr. Church was guaranteed a lifetime salary to care for them, she allows him to stay. Charlie's mother asks Mr. Church to keep her illness a secret from Charlie.
Over the next six years, Mr. Church becomes a significant presence in their lives, providing comfort and stability for both Charlie and her mother. As Charlie grows older and becomes aware of her mother's condition, she grows distant from her and forms a close bond with Mr. Church. When Charlie decides not to attend her prom, her mother promises to live long enough for her to go. The three of them take family photos, and Charlie eventually attends the prom. Shortly after, Mr. Church informs Charlie of her mother's passing.
Following her mother's death, Mr. Church continues to support Charlie, who graduates from high school and gets accepted into Boston University. With financial assistance from Mr. Church and the gift of a car, Charlie begins her college journey. Years later, Charlie returns home, pregnant and in need of a break from her studies. She asks Mr. Church if she can live with him, and he agrees with the condition that she respects his privacy.
During her stay, Charlie violates the rule by snooping through Mr. Church's belongings. In response, Mr. Church, though drunk, asks her to leave. The next day, Charlie encounters Larson, an old friend, and gets knocked unconscious by a skateboarder. Larson takes her to the hospital, and Mr. Church arrives to claim responsibility for her. Charlie gives birth to her daughter, Izzy, and they return to live with Mr. Church.
As time passes, Charlie becomes a waitress and she and Mr. Church raise Izzy as a blended family. When Mr. Church falls ill and can no longer cook, Charlie discovers her own talent for cooking, honed by years of observing Mr. Church. Eventually, Mr. Church passes away. During his wake, Charlie learns that he had a hidden talent as a pianist, playing at a local nightclub for 30 years.
The movie concludes with Charlie waking up to the smell of breakfast, assuming it's Mr. Church, but it's actually Izzy cooking, having learned from both Mr. Church and her mother. Charlie realizes the depth and mystery of Mr. Church's life and begins writing their story. The film portrays the enduring impact of Mr. Church's presence on Charlie's life, the lessons he taught her, and the love and family they shared.
Mr. Church Ending Explained
The ending of the movie "Mr. Church" brings closure to the story while emphasizing the lasting impact of the titular character on the lives of those he touched. As the film reaches its conclusion, several significant events take place. After Mr. Church's passing, a wake is held to honor his memory. During the gathering, Charlie, the main protagonist, is surprised to learn from Jelly, the owner of a nightclub, that Mr. Church had been playing the piano at his establishment for three decades.
This revelation adds another layer of mystery and depth to Mr. Church's life, showing that he had different facets and kept certain parts of himself separate. The following morning, Charlie wakes up to the aroma of breakfast cooking. In her sleepy state, she briefly wonders if it's Mr. Church, only to discover that it is actually her daughter, Izzy, preparing the meal. Like her mother and Mr. Church before her, Izzy has learned the art of cooking by observing Mr. Church's skills in the kitchen.
This scene highlights the passing of knowledge and traditions from one generation to the next, symbolizing the lasting impact of Mr. Church's teachings. The conclusion of the film also emphasizes Charlie's personal growth and transformation. Through her experiences with Mr. Church, she has learned valuable life lessons and developed her own skills, including cooking. It is implied that Charlie goes on to write the story of her life with Mr. Church, giving her a sense of purpose and a way to honor his memory. By becoming an author, Charlie is able to share their unique bond with others and immortalize the impact Mr. Church had on her life.
The ending of "Mr. Church" is bittersweet, as it marks the passing of a beloved character. However, it also highlights the enduring legacy Mr. Church leaves behind through the knowledge and love he imparted to Charlie and the future generations. It is a testament to the power of friendship, love, and chosen family, and it reinforces the idea that the connections we form can shape our lives long after those individuals are gone.
Mr. Church Cast
Eddie Murphy
Henry Joseph Church
Britt Robertson
Charlotte "Charlie" Brooks
Natalie Coughlin
Young Charlotte
Natascha McElhone
Marie Brooks
Xavier Samuel
Owen
Lincoln Melcher
Young Owen
Lucy Fry
Poppy
Madison Wolfe
Young Poppy
Christian Madsen
Eddie Larson
Mckenna Grace
Isabel “Izzy” Brooks
Thom Barry
Frankie Twiggs
Actor
Character
Where to Watch Mr. Church?
To watch the movie "Mr. Church," you can stream it on Prime Video. Make sure you have an active subscription to Prime Video. If you don't have a subscription, you can sign up on the Prime Video website. Visit the Prime Video website or open the Prime Video app on your compatible device. Once you're on the Prime Video platform, use the search function to find the movie "Mr. Church." You can search by typing the title into the search bar. From the search results, click or tap on the movie title "Mr. Church" to access its page. On the movie's page, you will find the option to play or watch the movie. Click or tap on the play button to start streaming "Mr. Church" and enjoy watching the film.
Is Mr. Church Based on a True Story - FAQs
No, "Mr. Church" is not based on a true story. It is a fictional movie written by Susan McMartin, inspired by her own experiences with a real-life cook referred to as Mr. Church.
While Susan McMartin had a real-life cook named Mr. Church who inspired her, the character in the movie is a fictional creation. The film's story and characters are not based on the real Mr. Church's life.
Yes, Susan McMartin, the writer of "Mr. Church," drew inspiration from her own experiences and the time she spent with her real-life cook. However, the movie is not a biographical account but a work of fiction.
While the movie incorporates some elements inspired by Susan McMartin's experiences, such as the presence of a cook named Mr. Church and the dynamics of their relationship, the specific events, characters, and storylines in the film are fictional.
While "Mr. Church" may touch on universal themes of friendship, love, and chosen family, the movie's narrative and characters are fictional. However, the themes themselves can resonate with audiences and reflect aspects of real-life relationships and human connections.