UNITED STATES
Chicago Sun-Times
By CLAUDIA PUIG Gannett News Service August 7, 2014
‘Calvary’ offers a fascinating look at contemporary attitudes toward the priesthood and Catholicism, as well as an impeccable lead performance by Brendan Gleeson and darkly sharp wit.
Gleeson is a masterful actor whose indelible roles include key parts in “The Guard” and “In Bruges.” His portrait of Father James, an Irishman who found his vocation late in life, is brilliant in its blend of compassion, weariness, humility and faith.
Set in the starkly picturesque fishing village of Easkey in County Sligo, Ireland, this comic drama is worth seeing if only for Gleeson’s soulful portrayal. “Calvary” is also profoundly compelling for the light it shines on how public attitudes have changed toward the clergy in the wake of the abusive-priests scandal.
A multilayered and compelling film, Calvary explores forgiveness, revenge, faith and the loss of belief. But it trips up slightly with its broad characterizations. A couple of supporting characters come off as caricatures, and one of them, a male prostitute, seems to have wandered in from another movie.
Note: This is an Abuse Tracker excerpt. Click the title to view the full text of the original article. If the original article is no longer available, see our News Archive.