CALVARY

Cast: Brendan Gleeson, Chris O'Dowd, Kelly Reilly, Dylan Moran, Domhnall Gleeson

Writer/Director: John Michael McDonagh

101 mins

John Michael McDonagh's directorial debut The Guard back in 2011, was one of the strongest ever initial flicks, as it had McDonagh's tremendous script and a wonderful visual style, not to mention a superb performance in the lead from Brendan Gleeson. Now McDonagh is back with Calvary, a powerful, hugely emotional piece with a magnificent central portrayal from Gleeson as Father James. James is a parish priest, a kind, decent individual who, in the opening confessional box sequence, is dealt a devastating assurance. It’s a hugely shocking moment, as his mortality is brought into very sharp focus indeed. This pre-confession of sorts, that the less-than-penitent man issues, is that as an act of revenge against the Roman Catholic church for abominable sins inflicted upon him as a young boy, he will murder Father James on the following Sunday. The resultant 

dilemma offers the clergyman a moral decision like no other.

Calvary tackles a multitude of society’s sins, relating to heinous personal experiences, the worldwide financial crisis, ageing, solitude, family responsibilities and the Catholic crisis on abuse. There is a marvellous array of meticulously detailed characters on display, with equally wonderful performances portrayed to perfection by a sublimely talented cast. An avoidance of judgement by McDonagh on the issues raised is enormously refreshing and despite the dark subject matter, the script is full of delicious dialogue and humour.

Brendan Gleeson’s performance though, is one of towering excellence. As an actor, his pace, manifest integrity, nuances and delivery are beyond reproach. He displays Father James as a complicated man who joined the priesthood following the death of his wife, and although now a truly decent but flawed priest, he has become an absentee father to his loving but troubled daughter. Also, in being a recovering alcoholic, he is not without his own inner turmoil, finding himself in an unimaginably harsh position – and Gleeson establishes him as a human being of rivetting sensibility and realism. Providing a lovely adjunct to this, is the equally enthralling Kelly Reilly as James' troubled adult daughter, from his marriage prior to joining the priesthood. Worth noting too are outstanding performances from Gleeson's son Domnhall in a fine prison room sequence - plus Chris O'Dowd and Dylan Moran, previously best known in comedy but who are now quite clearly in possession of immense talents beyond that genre.

This is a beautiful, intensely moving and profound piece of work from McDonagh, and a quite exceptional cast and crew. One which will move, trouble, amuse and reward in equal measure, and which will remain with you for some time to come. The signs of a masterful film - for which all those of us who appreciate the medium should be truly grateful.