'Calvary' A Review

Calvary is a harsh drama with flashes of dark comedy about a priest in rural Ireland. The sophomore film from writer/director John Michael McDonagh is a spiritual companion to his overtly comic 2011 debut The Guard. The film opens on an unbroken shot of Father James Lavelle(Brendan Gleeson) in the confessional receiving a death threat from one of his parishioners after they describe their systematic molestation by a priest. He is given one week to live, not because he is a bad priest but because he is a good one, as the individual explains "...wouldn't that be something." We then follow Gleeson as he struggles through the week, the film culminates the following Sunday with the confrontation.

The film is ambitious and at times difficult. It tackles religion, responsibility, forgiveness, death, contrition, and culpability in oblique ways and broad strokes. The are many questions and few answers, taken as a whole it is not entirely successful. Calvary is the type of film that stays with you, that garners lengthy discussion about human nature, that makes you marvel at the capacity and mystery of mankind. But it is an emotionally brutal film and not for everyone.

Brendan Gleeson gives a masterful performance. Soulful and unbridled. He is so emotionally raw at points, so filled with empathy and hope, we cringe as he makes his way through this strident world. The supporting cast are all vibrant McDonagh regulars bringing the bleak small Irish town to disturbing reality. The only misstep is Kelly Reilly as Gleeson's suicidal daughter. She isn't bad simply out of her depth. This is the third damaged woman she has played in so many years and the little affinity she had for this type of character has lost its freshness.

A great film but not an easy one. Be ready for heartbreak and introspection.

See It.