‘Calvary’ Review: Film Offers No Redemption Despite Perfect Opportunity and Title

UNITED STATES
Christian Post

BY SAMI K. MARTIN , CHRISTIAN POST REPORTER
August 1, 2014

“Calvary” (rated R) opens in theaters Friday, August 1 and offers the unpredictable story of a man abused by a priest in the Catholic Church and how his experience affects a so-called “good” priest in Ireland.

There’s a hymn by William R. Newell, “At Calvary,” that has the following refrain: “Mercy there was great and grace was free; pardon there was multiplied to me; there my burdened soul found liberty at Calvary.” Many may be familiar with this hymn and perhaps the film brought it to mind, but there is no mercy or grace to be found in “Calvary.”

The film focuses on the life of Father James, portrayed by Brendan Gleeson after he is threatened by a member of his congregation who confesses that he was sexually abused by a priest for five years and intends to kill James, a “good priest” in retribution. The intended assailant’s identity is known only to Father James, but those who watch ‘Calvary’ may recognize the voice.

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