Review of Calvary (2014) by Matthew S — 19 Jul 2015

John Michael McDonagh's follow up to "The Guard" is about as close to flawless as a movie can hope to get. After I first saw this film I expected it to sweep all top honors for 2014. While I didn't think it had a huge box office potential, I did think it would do well. It was met with a great deal of praise, but it barely caught audience attention when it was released. Most tragically, Brendan Gleeson's amazing performance seemed to be forgotten. It is really hard to understand how and why.

Brendan Gleeson's "Father James" chose to be a priest after the death of his wife. This seems to be a source of frustration from his troubled adult daughter. When she encages him in a discussion of sin and the confessional, he responds with a serious but almost passively conveyed comment, "I think forgiveness has been highly underrated.".

Set in a small and somewhat isolated Irish seaside town, the film begins with Father James taking confession. He is not able to see the parishioner on the other side. This Catholic tells him that he was molested by a priest when he was an alter boy. It has ruined this man's life.

Father James is clearly upset for this man and attempts to find a way to help him beyond his role as a Priest. The man is not interested in help. He is interested in justice. Or, more to the point -- vengeance. Without any evident concern or pause, he informs Father James that he will have to kill him in a week's time. His reasoning is that by his killing an innocent Priest, he not only gains vengeance against The Catholic Church but also gains equal justice by killing an "innocent" vs. killing a "guilty" priest.

And it is with this that the movie moves forward. McDonagh is not particularly interested in approaching the film as a thriller or mystery. As we follow Father James throughout his week it becomes apparent that while he is concerned about the threat, he is far more concerned with helping his flock.

The film becomes a provocative examination of faith, redemption and validity of the existence of Father James' role and life itself. Larry Smith's cinematography is exceptional as always. Brendan Gleeson is truly remarkable as are all the supporting players.

While one could easily refer to this film as dark -- even grim movie. There is something about Father James' dignity and pursuits that pulls us toward some feeling of hope. The film's conclusion comes like a gut-punch.

If you missed this film, seek it out now. Brilliant work.