Penance is an Irish psychological thriller movie directed by Tom Collins, starring Gerard McSorley and Peter Coonan. The film revolves around Father James (Gerard McSorley), a Catholic priest who hears the confession of a young girl, Fiona (Lalor Roddy), who confesses to having murdered her best friend. Not wanting to break the seal of confession, Father James does not report the incident to the authorities, and the police fail to identify the killer, much to the chagrin of Detective Sergeant Brendan O'Hara (Peter Coonan).
The film is set in rural Ireland, and the atmosphere is both haunting and bleak, with the stunning Irish countryside serving as a perfect backdrop for the story. The acting is superb, with McSorley delivering a powerful performance as the conflicted priest, torn between his religious duties and his sense of justice. Coonan is equally impressive as the hard-bitten cop, determined to solve the case, but frustrated at every turn.
As the investigation continues, the case takes a number of bizarre and unexpected twists and turns. The characters are well-drawn and completely believable, with each one having a hidden agenda, and as the plot unfolds, we see the complexities of the relationships between the characters. We are never sure who we can trust, and this adds an element of suspense and intrigue to the film.
One of the most remarkable things about Penance is the way it handles the subject of religion. The movie deals with some of the most important questions of faith, and it stays true to the teachings of the Catholic Church. It explores the themes of forgiveness and redemption in a mature and intelligent way, and it does not shy away from portraying the darker side of religious devotion.
The film is also a commentary on the Irish justice system and its failings. The police are shown to be incompetent, and the legal system proves to be inadequate in bringing the killer to justice. The film raises questions about the role of the Catholic Church in society, and about the power of faith to heal wounds and bring closure to victims and their families.
The movie is a slow burn, but it is never boring. The tension is always present, and the music and the cinematography serve to enhance the mood of the film. The final scenes are particularly powerful, and they leave a lasting impression on the viewer.
Overall, Penance is a thought-provoking and intelligent film, which raises some important questions about faith, morality, and justice. The acting is superb, and the story is gripping and unpredictable. It is a film that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled.
Penance is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes.
