The film “Calvary” hits cinemas today. A hard-hitting, powerful film by the committed John Michael McDonagh, who doesn’t hesitate to paint a portrait of an Ireland deeply scarred by the scandals recently uncovered in the Irish Catholic Church.
Let’s face it, this new film is not for everyone: the scenes are harsh, sometimes shocking, and the film’s perpetual questioning could certainly put off viewers looking for a film with a lighter tone…
But be that as it may, Calvary is a masterpiece. Starring powerful actor Brendan Gleeson, the film tells the story of James Lavelle, an Irish Catholic priest who receives a death threat from one of his parishioners. The motive: the author of these threats was allegedly abused by a priest when he was a child. As the priest strives to continue caring for his daughter and help his parishioners solve their problems, James Lavelle will feel the vise gradually closing in on him, not knowing whether he will have the courage to face the very personal ordeal that awaits him…
A heavy and difficult subject, which alludes directly to the Catholic scandal of 2009, when the report of an Irish commission revealed the story of several hundred victims of sexual abuse perpetrated by the church over 35 years. An affair that did great harm to the Irish church, and greatly weakened the Irish people’s faith in their religious institution.
The film tackles the subject with finesse, alternating between drama and dark comedy: a strange mix of genres, which nevertheless makes the film a real success. Its bittersweet atmosphere, coupled with its typically Irish landscapes (the film was shot in the village of Easkay, County Sligo), makes it a film of great intensity. And let’s not forget the top-flight cast, who carry the film from start to finish!
Already the recipient of several awards in Ireland, Calvary promises to be a multi-faceted film, depicting a present-day Ireland plagued by uncertainty and mistrust of religious institutions. An excellent film, which directly raises the question of faith and religious aberrations…
More news
