Calvary

IMDB
First time viewed: Yes
Current Release: Yes
Watched With: Cicely

Wow this is a pretty grim film. Anchored by a great lead character and always tinged with humour the story portrays a rather depressing world as seen through a character with hope and forgiveness.

John Michael McDonagh was able to create a fantastic and hilarious character study with Brendan Gleeson the first time around in The Guard. Here, his sights are much larger and the cast of fascinating characters is greater as well.

The set up is almost like an old school western. A ticking clock is set for a showdown between a goodly priest and an unknown community member. And as the days pass by the tension increases. We get a look at the town and various people/suspects in it. Each one dealing with a misery of their own, the Priest helping out as best he can, whilst also dealing with his own problem.

I found it a captivating and through provoking drama. It's pretty angry at the world but there's a light at the end of the tunnel, I think...