Review of Calvary (2014) by Sayer F — 01 Aug 2014

Very original Irish drama written and directed by John Michael McDonagh will show you more realistic and honest examination of the religion and its impact in a small town with many troubled individuals. Calvary stars Brendan Gleeson, Chris O'Dowd, Kelly Reilly, Aidan Gillen, Dylan Moran and Isaach de Bankolé. The film was screened at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival and at the 64th Berlin International Film Festival where it had an enthusiastic and satisfied audience.

The story starts in confessional, where a parishioner talks to Father James Lavelle about his childhood sexual abuse by a priest. After telling the story of an abuse which started when he was a little child and was continuing for 5 years, he says he will kill James the next Sunday, because James is a good man and it would be worse for the Catholic Church than killing a bad priest. In any case the offender is now dead, and James will pay for his sins. James's daughter comes to visit after suffered a breakdown and tried to kill herself. The characters were amazing and the dialogue was simply adorable.

Brendan Gleeson gave an inspired and soulful performance but all others were perfect players in this rich character drama that's equally eloquent and despairing. It is not easy to make commercially successful film which examines religious faith, but this team had no difficulty with that task! I will recommend it to anyone who loves a film with substance, emotions and an excellent execution!