Carlo Acutis: Roadmap to Reality Release Date, Storyline, and Everything You Need to Know
“Carlo Acutis: Roadmap to Reality” premiered in U.S. theaters April 27–29, 2025, in conjunction with the canonization of Carlo Acutis by Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City. This release aligned precisely with the historic event, as Carlo became the Catholic Church’s first millennial saint.
The timing established a profound link between viewers and this pivotal spiritual milestone. The event also coincided with the Church’s Jubilee of Teenagers, amplifying the film’s appeal to young audiences navigating faith in a digital world.
Documentary Distribution & Success
- Initial theatrical release spanned thousands of theaters nationwide through Fathom Entertainment, in partnership with Castletown Media and filmmaker Jim Wahlberg.
- The film earned approximately $653,000 during its opening weekend, becoming the highest-grossing faith-based documentary of 2025 in U.S. theaters.
- Following its theater run, the film became available globally for streaming on May 28, 2025, via CREDO, a new faith-based digital platform.
- The film is accessible via web browsers, mobile apps, and smart TVs, with subtitles available in Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese.
About CREDO
Launched in May 2025, CREDO is a faith-based streaming platform founded by director Tim Moriarty and Castletown Media. It uses an à la carte rental model with no subscription required, making spiritual media more accessible to families and individuals.
CREDO features a curated library of spiritually rich content, starting with “Carlo Acutis: Roadmap to Reality” as its flagship title, and upcoming releases including “Leo XIV: A Pontiff’s Path.”
Plot: What’s it About?
“Carlo Acutis: Roadmap to Reality” follows the extraordinary life and legacy of Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old tech prodigy and devout Catholic who died of leukemia in 2006. He is known for documenting Eucharistic miracles online and promoting faith through digital means.
The documentary presents his life through interviews with family, friends, theologians, and digital wellness experts. A parallel storyline follows a group of high school students from North Dakota on a phone-free pilgrimage to Carlo’s tomb in Assisi, reflecting his teachings on spiritual focus and the importance of meaningful community.
It explores pressing issues such as screen addiction, identity in the digital age, and how spirituality can influence one’s digital habits. It is not only a biography but a guidebook for living authentically in a hyper-connected world.
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Cast and Interviewees
Family & Friends
| Name | Role | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Antonia Salzano | Carlo’s mother | Shares personal stories about Carlo’s faith, childhood, and tech habits |
| Childhood friends | Peers of Carlo | Recall his kindness, humor, and early wisdom about digital use |
Church Leaders & Catholic Voices
| Name/Group | Affiliation | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Diocese of Assisi | Clergy & custodians | Provide insight into his sainthood journey and local veneration |
| Catholic theologians | Various institutions | Reflect on how Carlo inspires digital-age evangelization |
| Youth ministers | Catholic youth leaders | Discuss Carlo’s relevance to teenage faith formation |
| Father Robert Johnson | Parish Priest | Comments on blending modern life with traditional faith |
Experts & Commentators
| Name | Expertise | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Maria Rodriguez | Digital wellness specialist | Discusses online behavior, screen balance, and Carlo’s early insights |
| Technology ethicists | Academia & think tanks | Explore Carlo’s model for responsible digital engagement |
Pilgrimage Participants
| Group/Individual | Origin | Role in the Film |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota High School Students | USA | Make a phone-free pilgrimage to Carlo’s tomb in Assisi, reflecting his values. |
| Teachers & Chaperones | USA (accompanying group) | Help interpret Carlo’s lessons for students today |
Why Carlo’s Story Matters Now
Carlo Acutis used technology not to escape the world but to reconnect others with a deeper purpose. His well-known quote, “Everyone is born original, but many die as photocopies,” underscores the film’s message about identity and intention in an online world.
Director Tim Moriarty emphasizes how Carlo’s integration of faith and digital literacy presents a model for today’s youth. The film’s release comes at a time when society is confronting a mental health crisis, especially among teens caught in cycles of digital dependency.
“Carlo Acutis: Roadmap to Reality” shows how meaningful engagement with technology can be achieved without losing one’s humanity or spiritual depth.
Building on Past Success
This project follows the success of Castletown Media and Fathom Entertainment’s previous collaboration, “Jesus Thirsts: The Miracle of the Eucharist,” which became Fathom’s top-performing documentary in 2024.
The same team returns to tell Carlo’s story with reverence and relevance, blending documentary interviews and animation to appeal to modern audiences of all faiths.
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Where to Watch
- The film had a limited theatrical run from April 27 to 29, 2025.
- As of May 28, 2025, it is available globally on CREDO, a no-subscription, rental-only streaming platform.
- Additional screenings for parishes, schools, and faith groups can still be arranged directly through the film’s official website.
Canonization: A Historic Moment
Carlo Acutis was officially canonized on April 27, 2025, in a Mass led by Pope Francis during the Church’s Jubilee of Teenagers. Born in 1991 and deceased in 2006, Carlo became the first millennial saint and a modern-day spiritual role model.
He is best remembered for his devotion to the Eucharist and for creating an online catalog of Eucharistic miracles—a project that continues to inspire worldwide.
FAQ
When and where can I watch the movie?
You can stream it worldwide on CREDO starting May 28, 2025.
Is this movie only for Catholics?
No. While rooted in Catholic tradition, the film explores universal themes of technology, identity, and balance that resonate across faiths.
What age group is it for?
It’s suitable for teens, families, educators, and anyone seeking guidance on developing healthy digital habits.
How long is the documentary?
Approximately 95 minutes.
Will it be available on other platforms?
Not yet. It is currently exclusive to CREDO. Future DVD or Blu-ray releases are possible.
Final Thoughts
“Carlo Acutis: Roadmap to Reality” is more than a documentary. It’s a cultural intervention for a world increasingly shaped by screens and social media. Carlo’s life is a timely example of how to live with purpose, integrate technology wisely, and maintain spiritual clarity.
As society searches for direction in the digital age, Carlo Acutis offers a roadmap to something more profound: a life rooted in faith, service, and authenticity.
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