Close Menu
The Sober CuratorThe Sober Curator
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • ❤️ CONTENT
    • ⭐ BECOME A CONTRIBUTOR
    • CONTRIBUTOR DIRECTORY
    • DEAR READERS✏️
    • MEET THE SOBER CURATOR
    • 📰 PRESS 📺
    • THE SOBEES 🐝
    • CONTACT 📧
  • HAPPY EVERY HOUR
    • NA BEERS AND CIDERS 🍺
    • NON-ALCOHOLIC WINES 🍾
    • NON-ALCOHOLIC SPIRITS 🍸
    • READY TO DRINK 🥤
    • BEHIND THE BAR 🍋‍🟩
    • NA TASTING EVENTS CALENDAR 🗓️
  • HEALTH & WELLNESS
    • BREAK FREE
    • CODEPENDENCY
    • MASTERING MENTAL FITNESS 🧠💪🏼
    • MENTAL HEALTH 🧠
    • RELATIONSHIPS 🤟🏽
    • SOBER NOT SUBTLE
    • SOBER POETRY 🖋️
    • SPEAK OUT! SPEAK LOUD! 🗣️
    • SPIRITUAL SUBSTANCE 🧬
    • WELLNESS AS A WAY OF LIFE
    • YOU’VE BEEN SELECTED
  • LIFESTYLE
    • #ADDTOCART 🛍️
    • ASK MRS. (W)RIGHT ⁉️
    • COMING OUT SOBER 🏳️‍🌈
    • 🏆 CONTENT
    • ✂️CURATED CRAFTS🎨
    • FASHION 👠
    • SHOP 🛒
    • SOBER SPOTLIGHT 🔦
    • SOBER CONTENT CREATION 💻
    • SOBER UNBUZZED FEED
  • ENTERTAINMENT
    • #QUITLIT 📚
    • MOVIE REVIEWS 🍿
    • MUSIC 🎶
    • POPCULTURE
    • RECOVERY PODCASTLAND 🎙️
    • SOBER CURATOR PODCAST 🎧
    • SOBER EVENTS CALENDAR 🗓️
    • SOBER SPORTS
    • TV SHOW REVIEWS 📺
  • TRAVEL & EVENTS
    • SOBER EVENTS CALENDAR 🗓️
    • SOBER RETREATS CALENDAR 🗓️
    • SOBRIETY IN THE CITY
      • SOBER IN MINNEAPOLIS
      • SOBER IN NYC
      • SOBER IN SEATTLE
    • WHAT A TRIP! 🧳
  • SPIRITUAL GANGSTER
    • THE CARD DIVO 🔮
    • CLASSY PROBLEMS
    • SOBERCAST
    • SOBERSCOPES
    • SOBRIETY IN FLOW 🧘🏻‍♀️
    • THIRSTY FOR WONDER
    • SPIRITUAL SUBSTANCE 🧬
    • STOICISM
  • RECOVERY RESOURCES
    • ALCOHOL & SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER RESOURCE GUIDE
    • BREAK FREE FOUNDATION
    • FAMILY RESOURCES
    • GLOSSARY OF ADDICTION AND RECOVERY TERMS
    • LGBTQ+ RECOVERY RESOURCES
    • RECOVERY STORIES
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest YouTube LinkedIn TikTok
The Sober CuratorThe Sober Curator
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • ❤️ CONTENT
    • ⭐ BECOME A CONTRIBUTOR
    • CONTRIBUTOR DIRECTORY
    • DEAR READERS✏️
    • MEET THE SOBER CURATOR
    • 📰 PRESS 📺
    • THE SOBEES 🐝
    • CONTACT 📧
  • HAPPY EVERY HOUR
    • NA BEERS AND CIDERS 🍺
    • NON-ALCOHOLIC WINES 🍾
    • NON-ALCOHOLIC SPIRITS 🍸
    • READY TO DRINK 🥤
    • BEHIND THE BAR 🍋‍🟩
    • NA TASTING EVENTS CALENDAR 🗓️
  • HEALTH & WELLNESS
    • BREAK FREE
    • CODEPENDENCY
    • MASTERING MENTAL FITNESS 🧠💪🏼
    • MENTAL HEALTH 🧠
    • RELATIONSHIPS 🤟🏽
    • SOBER NOT SUBTLE
    • SOBER POETRY 🖋️
    • SPEAK OUT! SPEAK LOUD! 🗣️
    • SPIRITUAL SUBSTANCE 🧬
    • WELLNESS AS A WAY OF LIFE
    • YOU’VE BEEN SELECTED
  • LIFESTYLE
    • #ADDTOCART 🛍️
    • ASK MRS. (W)RIGHT ⁉️
    • COMING OUT SOBER 🏳️‍🌈
    • 🏆 CONTENT
    • ✂️CURATED CRAFTS🎨
    • FASHION 👠
    • SHOP 🛒
    • SOBER SPOTLIGHT 🔦
    • SOBER CONTENT CREATION 💻
    • SOBER UNBUZZED FEED
  • ENTERTAINMENT
    • #QUITLIT 📚
    • MOVIE REVIEWS 🍿
    • MUSIC 🎶
    • POPCULTURE
    • RECOVERY PODCASTLAND 🎙️
    • SOBER CURATOR PODCAST 🎧
    • SOBER EVENTS CALENDAR 🗓️
    • SOBER SPORTS
    • TV SHOW REVIEWS 📺
  • TRAVEL & EVENTS
    • SOBER EVENTS CALENDAR 🗓️
    • SOBER RETREATS CALENDAR 🗓️
    • SOBRIETY IN THE CITY
      • SOBER IN MINNEAPOLIS
      • SOBER IN NYC
      • SOBER IN SEATTLE
    • WHAT A TRIP! 🧳
  • SPIRITUAL GANGSTER
    • THE CARD DIVO 🔮
    • CLASSY PROBLEMS
    • SOBERCAST
    • SOBERSCOPES
    • SOBRIETY IN FLOW 🧘🏻‍♀️
    • THIRSTY FOR WONDER
    • SPIRITUAL SUBSTANCE 🧬
    • STOICISM
  • RECOVERY RESOURCES
    • ALCOHOL & SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER RESOURCE GUIDE
    • BREAK FREE FOUNDATION
    • FAMILY RESOURCES
    • GLOSSARY OF ADDICTION AND RECOVERY TERMS
    • LGBTQ+ RECOVERY RESOURCES
    • RECOVERY STORIES
The Sober CuratorThe Sober Curator
Home - The Eyes of Tammy Faye Will Make You Want to Add Extra Layers To Your Waterproof Mascara
MOVIE NIGHT

The Eyes of Tammy Faye Will Make You Want to Add Extra Layers To Your Waterproof Mascara

Alysse BrysonBy Alysse BrysonJanuary 9, 20225 Mins Read
The Eyes of Tammy Faye 1
The Eyes of Tammy Faye 1
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

The Eyes of Tammy Faye is based on and inspired by a documentary from back in 2000. It depicts the real-life scandals and collapse of the multi-million-dollar ministry empire Tammy Faye and Jim Bakker built. Directed by Michael Showalter, this film stars Jessica Chastain, Andrew Garfield, and Cherry Jones. If you watch this film for no reason other than to see how Jessica Chastain portrays aging with Tammy Faye’s character, it will be worth your time.

Who Was Tammy Faye?

Tammy Faye was considered the First Lady of Religious Broadcasting. Married to Jim Bakker, they built a Christian-themed television act modeled after the Johnny Carson show. Tammy lived her life to serve God, and most of that time was spent in front of television cameras. Starting from a modest children’s show featuring handmade puppets created by Tammy Faye, she and her husband attempted to make Christianity “look fun.” Behind the scenes, it was far from fun.

Tammy Fay was a resilient woman who battled prescription drug addiction and multiple bouts of cancer. In fact, in a tearful video, she publicly declared that she was checking into rehab and was being treated for the drug addiction that made her “see demons.” For those of you who were alive then and remember back in the 1980s, you will recall this sent soap opera shock waves through almost all mainstream media. If you think the stigma against addiction is strong now, it was much worse back then.

Based on old articles that I could find online, her drug addiction started when she was pregnant with her daughter Tammy Sue with allergy pills. Acting as uppers, the pills kept her hyper and nervous. She was then prescribed Ativan tranquilizers to bring her down. They calmed her nerves on flights, and soon, she found they calmed her nerves for many other things. She battled her drug addiction for nearly 20 years. Tammy died of colon cancer in 2007 at the age of 65.

Love Her Or Not, Tammy Was a Trailblazer

Based on additional research, the gay community of the 1980s and 90s took to Tammy Faye for a few reasons. First and foremost, they loved her camp style. Her make-up and emotions were both always over the top. She was all drama all the time, and the gay community couldn’t get enough of her.

In 1985, Tammy Faye had a now-famous interview segment with Steve Pieters, a gay minister who was an AIDS survivor. After this shocking (at the time) interview, Tammy Faye was pressured to interview a Christian psychiatrist who advised on “how to pray the gay away,” and Tammy Faye refused. Tammy Faye continued to support gay men diagnosed with HIV and Aids for the rest of her life. She was frequently seen at Pride Parades and queer events.

The Eyes of Tammy Faye Review:

Rotten Tomatoes gives this movie a Tomatometer score of 66%, while the audience score reported on their site shows 87%. I’m going to have to agree with the audience. This intimate look at the extraordinary rise, fall, and redemption of Tammy Faye Bakker was one of the best things I did with my time this weekend. Granted, my only other activities included sleeping, walking my dogs, napping, and hosting a Sober Curator virtual monthly meet-up.

I grew up in the church. Both my grandfathers were pastors. I went to a private Christian school where my mom was my teacher. My sister and I were at church six days a week, between Church, Sunday School, Wednesday night Kiwanis, and regular school, and then hanging out after school while my mom finished her work. Churches make me comfortable, and so did this movie. I wish I’d watched this movie eating vanilla wafers and animal crackers while sipping room-temperature grape juice for the full nostalgic effect.

Although I am familiar with Tammy Faye and Jim Bakker, it was rare for you to find them on my childhood TV. My parents weren’t fans then, and my mom had zero interest in watching this movie with me over the past Christmas holiday I spent at home a few weeks back.

Team Jessica Chastain

If you are even mildly curious about the backstory of this Christian soap opera that played out as a version of a reality TV show in the 80s and 90s, then I encourage you to give this movie a watch. Jessica Chastain is phenomenal. If she loses to Nicole Kidman, Lady Gaga, or Kristen Stewart for a Golden Globe, I will be distraught. Jessica spins circles around any of their performances, and, at this point, I believe she is the strongest contender. (Full disclosure: I have yet to see The Lost Daughter starring Olivia Colman.)

Does this movie deserve to be nominated for anything? No, it does not. Is it worth your two hours? Yes, I believe it is. Why? I support any story that involves addiction and redemption.

The Sobees Movie Night Score: 3.5 out of 5

Your Wrong About

Your Wrong About is one of my favorite podcasts to listen to while walking my dogs. Sarah is a journalist obsessed with the past. Every week, she reconsiders a person or event miscast in the public imagination. I was delighted to find this interview.

Jessica Chastain and Sarah discuss Tammy Faye Bakker, the star and producer of the new film The Eyes of Tammy Faye. After Jessica and Sarah chatted, they introduced this episode about Tammy Faye Bakker and Jessica Hahn from the early days of You’re Wrong About.

Sober Curator Pro Tip:

This isn’t the first time Jessica Chastain has played the role of an addict. Check out our review of her in Ava, an American Action Thrilled that will keep you on the edge of your seat!


A Disco Ball is Hundreds of Pieces of Broken Glass, Put Together to Make a Magical Ball of Light. You are NOT Broken, Friend. You are a DISCO BALL!

Resources Are Available

If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.

follow the sober curator on pinterest

Follow The Sober Curator on Pinterest

andrew garfield cherry jones christian Christian soap opera jessica chastain jim bakker Lady Gaga michael showalter movie night movie review olivia colman sober pop culture tammy fay tammy faye tammy faye bakker the eyes of tammy faye
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Tumblr Email
Alysse Bryson
  • Website
  • Facebook
  • X (Twitter)
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn

Alysse Bryson is a strong woman in recovery, an innovative media maven, marketing guru, and gal about town. "I'm just a laid-back old school Seattlite...with sober superpowers. You can take the girl out of the party, but you can't take the party out of the girl."

Related Posts

Monopoly Bedazzle Upcycle Curated Crafts

💎 Rhinestones, Real Estate, and Ridiculous Obsession: My Bedazzled Monopoly Saga 💎

October 6, 2025
When Love is Not Enough Movie Review The Lois Wilson Story

🎬 Movie Review: When Love Is Not Enough: The Lois Wilson Story (2010)

October 4, 2025
“The Bear” Character Analysis How Birth Order and Family Roles Shape Addiction Genetics

“The Bear” Character Analysis: How Birth Order and Family Roles Shape Addiction Genetics

October 3, 2025

Comments are closed.

Top AF Sober Travel Companies USA Today
Sober City Mobile App
SOBERSCRIBE AND GET ON THE LIST!
May the sober force be with you
7 events found.
  • Week of October 6
  • Previous week
  • Next week
All Day
Camino de Santiago Fundraiser for She Recovers Foundation with We Love Lucid
October 2 - October 9

Camino de Santiago Fundraiser for She Recovers Foundation with We Love Lucid

$2500
Casablanca to Marrakesh
October 2 - October 12

Casablanca to Marrakesh

$3195
11:00 am
A Day of Intentionality – Renton, WA
October 6 @ 11:00 am - 4:00 pm PDT

A Day of Intentionality – Renton, WA

Macadons 826 S 3rd St, Renton
Free
All Day
Camino de Santiago Fundraiser for She Recovers Foundation with We Love Lucid
October 2 - October 9

Camino de Santiago Fundraiser for She Recovers Foundation with We Love Lucid

$2500
Casablanca to Marrakesh
October 2 - October 12

Casablanca to Marrakesh

$3195
4:00 pm
Trivia Night at 309 Social Club
October 7 @ 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm PDT

Trivia Night at 309 Social Club

BigVision 309 Social Club 309 East 49th Street @ 2nd Ave, New York
Donation
5:00 pm
Sober Night Live! 105.5 The Colorado Sound Presents
October 7 @ 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm PDT

Sober Night Live! 105.5 The Colorado Sound Presents

Roots Music Project 4747 Pearl Suite V3A, Boulder
See website
An Evening with Sober Sisters in STL: Shopping, Sound Bath & Mocktails
October 7 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm PDT

An Evening with Sober Sisters in STL: Shopping, Sound Bath & Mocktails

Goldie's Hair + Wardrobe 2712 Sutton Boulevard, Maplewood
$25.42
+ 2 More
All Day
Camino de Santiago Fundraiser for She Recovers Foundation with We Love Lucid
October 2 - October 9

Camino de Santiago Fundraiser for She Recovers Foundation with We Love Lucid

$2500
Casablanca to Marrakesh
October 2 - October 12

Casablanca to Marrakesh

$3195
5:00 pm
Zero Proof Cocktail Class With the NA Sommelier
October 8 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm PDT

Zero Proof Cocktail Class With the NA Sommelier

700 Dexter Avenue North #suite 201, Seattle
$85.00
All Day
Camino de Santiago Fundraiser for She Recovers Foundation with We Love Lucid
October 2 - October 9

Camino de Santiago Fundraiser for She Recovers Foundation with We Love Lucid

$2500
Casablanca to Marrakesh
October 2 - October 12

Casablanca to Marrakesh

$3195
7:00 pm
Drag Bingo (Spooky AF Edition)
October 9 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm PDT

Drag Bingo (Spooky AF Edition)

SOBER AF Bottle Shop Tacoma 5222 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma
See website
All Day
Casablanca to Marrakesh
October 2 - October 12

Casablanca to Marrakesh

$3195
11:00 am
STOP THE SHUFFLE SCREENING – Wilmington Deleware International Film Festival
October 10 @ 11:00 am - 12:30 pm PDT

STOP THE SHUFFLE SCREENING – Wilmington Deleware International Film Festival

The Screening Room West
$15.00
All Day
Casablanca to Marrakesh
October 2 - October 12

Casablanca to Marrakesh

$3195
Ongoing
MACHU PICCHU | Capsule Adventures
October 11 @ 5:00 am - October 19 @ 2:00 pm PDT

MACHU PICCHU | Capsule Adventures

Cusco, the Salktanay Trail, and Machu Picchu!
See website
7:00 am
Fresh Start: Breathwork with Kyle Harder | Teetotal Initiative Pittsburgh
October 11 @ 7:00 am - 9:00 am PDT

Fresh Start: Breathwork with Kyle Harder | Teetotal Initiative Pittsburgh

Thrive on Health 730 Brookline Blvd, Pittsburgh
Free
+ 1 More
All Day
Casablanca to Marrakesh
October 2 - October 12

Casablanca to Marrakesh

$3195
Ongoing
MACHU PICCHU | Capsule Adventures
October 11 @ 5:00 am - October 19 @ 2:00 pm PDT

MACHU PICCHU | Capsule Adventures

Cusco, the Salktanay Trail, and Machu Picchu!
See website

Week of Events

Mon 6

Tue 7

Wed 8

Thu 9

Fri 10

Sat 11

Sun 12

October 2 - October 9

Camino de Santiago Fundraiser for She Recovers Foundation with We Love Lucid

Camino de Santiago Fundraiser for She Recovers Foundation with We Love Lucid

October 2 - October 9

Camino de Santiago Fundraiser for She Recovers Foundation with We Love Lucid

CAMINO DE SANTIAGO FUNDRAISER FOR SHE RECOVERS FOUNDATION October 2nd - 9th 2025 Join us in Galicia, Northern Spain for the ultimate sober team hiking adventure as we tackle the

$2500
October 2 - October 12

Casablanca to Marrakesh

Casablanca to Marrakesh

October 2 - October 12

Casablanca to Marrakesh

About this trip We cannot think of a more suited itinerary for HOOKED.    All your senses will be engaged on this Luxury 11 day / 10 night adventure in

$3195
October 2 - October 9

Camino de Santiago Fundraiser for She Recovers Foundation with We Love Lucid

October 2 - October 12

Casablanca to Marrakesh

October 2 - October 9

Camino de Santiago Fundraiser for She Recovers Foundation with We Love Lucid

October 2 - October 12

Casablanca to Marrakesh

October 2 - October 9

Camino de Santiago Fundraiser for She Recovers Foundation with We Love Lucid

October 2 - October 12

Casablanca to Marrakesh

October 2 - October 12

Casablanca to Marrakesh

October 11 @ 5:00 am - October 19 @ 2:00 pm <span class='timezone'> PDT </span>

MACHU PICCHU | Capsule Adventures

MACHU PICCHU | Capsule Adventures

October 11 @ 5:00 am - October 19 @ 2:00 pm PDT

MACHU PICCHU | Capsule Adventures

MACHU PICCHU | Capsule Adventures Our journey blends the culture and cuisine of Cusco with the legendary Salkantay Trail, culminating at the Incan masterpiece of Machu Picchu. Trek through shifting

See website
October 2 - October 12

Casablanca to Marrakesh

October 11 @ 5:00 am - October 19 @ 2:00 pm <span class='timezone'> PDT </span>

MACHU PICCHU | Capsule Adventures

October 2 - October 12

Casablanca to Marrakesh

11:00 am - 4:00 pm

A Day of Intentionality – Renton, WA

October 6 @ 11:00 am - 4:00 pm PDT

A Day of Intentionality – Renton, WA

A Day of Intentionality - Renton, WA Join us for free intentionality sessions and macadons at the Macadons store front in downtown Renton! We’ll feature rotating topics between 11 am

Free
4:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Trivia Night at 309 Social Club

October 7 @ 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm PDT

Trivia Night at 309 Social Club

Trivia Night at 309 Social Club Get your game face on and put your knowledge to the test at Trivia Night! From pop culture to history and everything in between,

Donation
5:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Sober Night Live! 105.5 The Colorado Sound Presents

October 7 @ 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm PDT

Sober Night Live! 105.5 The Colorado Sound Presents

Sober Night Live! 105.5 The Colorado Sound Presents Announcing Sober Night Live! A monthly open mic event for sober creatives, featuring performances, storytelling, and a supportive community. We are excited

See website
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

An Evening with Sober Sisters in STL: Shopping, Sound Bath & Mocktails

October 7 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm PDT

An Evening with Sober Sisters in STL: Shopping, Sound Bath & Mocktails

An Evening with Sober Sisters in STL: Shopping, Sound Bath & Mocktails Join other women curious about drinking less for a night of connection, shopping, mocktails & a relaxing sound

$25.42
+ 2 More
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Zero Proof Cocktail Class With the NA Sommelier

October 8 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm PDT

Zero Proof Cocktail Class With the NA Sommelier

Zero Proof Cocktail Class With the NA Sommelier Join us at Studio Forma for a tailored, hands-on, zero-proof cocktail-making experience with NA sommelier Juanita Unger. Professional bartending techniques, cocktail theory,

$85.00
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Drag Bingo (Spooky AF Edition)

October 9 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm PDT

Drag Bingo (Spooky AF Edition)

Drag Bingo (Spooky AF Edition) Thu, Oct 09 Sober AF Zero Proof Bottle Shop Kick off Sober October by joining us for one of our KILLER Drag Bingo Nights. Sells

See website
11:00 am - 12:30 pm

STOP THE SHUFFLE SCREENING – Wilmington Deleware International Film Festival

October 10 @ 11:00 am - 12:30 pm PDT

STOP THE SHUFFLE SCREENING – Wilmington Deleware International Film Festival

STOP THE SHUFFLE SCREENING - Wilmington Delaware International Film Festival An intimate look inside the billion-dollar addiction treatment industry where young people are bought and sold for their insurance policies

$15.00
7:00 am - 9:00 am

Fresh Start: Breathwork with Kyle Harder | Teetotal Initiative Pittsburgh

October 11 @ 7:00 am - 9:00 am PDT

Fresh Start: Breathwork with Kyle Harder | Teetotal Initiative Pittsburgh

Fresh Start: Breathwork with Kyle Harder | Teetotal Initiative Pittsburgh Come breathe in community during a guided breathwork session—a space to let go of stress, quiet the noise of everyday

Free
12:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Sober AF Entertainment: Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Wisconsin Badgers @ Camp Randall Stadium (Madison – WI)

October 11 @ 12:30 pm - 6:30 pm PDT

Sober AF Entertainment: Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Wisconsin Badgers @ Camp Randall Stadium (Madison – WI)

Sober AF Entertainment: Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Wisconsin Badgers @ Camp Randall Stadium (Madison – WI)

See website
+ 1 More
View Calendar
The Sober Curator
Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) TikTok YouTube Pinterest
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • LINKS DISCLAIMER
  • EDITORIAL GUIDELINES
  • TERMS OF SERVICE
  • REFUND POLICY
  • DON’T SELL MY INFO
  • DATA SUBJECT REQUEST FORM
  • CONTACT US
© 2025 The Sober Curator - Benefits of a Alcohol Free Lifestyle

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.