Sundance Review: Calvary

Score:B+

Director:John Michael McDonagh

Cast:Brendan Gleeson, Chris O'Dowd, Kelly Reilly

Running Time:100.00

Rated:NR

I must confess something that will change everything: Calvary starts with a confession that will change everything. Brendan Gleeson stars as a priest making the rounds to help and guide the flawed people in his Irish coastal town while a dark threat looms over him.

Despite Gleeson and a solid cast, certain character interactions and arcs are not compelling enough to hang onto this story. What is compelling is the breathtaking cinematography of the Irish shores.

Ultimately, the heart of the film works okay with the impact of the messages seen in the film. And while I usually enjoy movies with a small, intimate story, it has scenes like its ending that cause me to feel detached because it feels produced for the sake of pulling your heartstrings rather than just being as still as a landscape. No slow motion or heavy music will be needed because the truth is more powerful than any on-screen enhancement we can make

*Calvary has been purchased by Fox Searchlight Pictures

Facebooktwitterredditmail

About Joe Kotisso

Avatar

Leave a Reply