Although Calvary doesn’t have a U.S. distributor yet, it will hit the big screen for the first time at Sundance Festival, about three months before its scheduled release in the U.K. and Ireland. From what I can see in the trailer, so far, it looks like a pretty promising and unique movie, with some astonishingly beautiful scenic views.
I’m a bit biased however – I have a soft spot for the Irish and I love Mad-Eye Moody (Gleeson) and Little Finger (Gillen). It cannot be helped that I’d be inclined to like this. However, the story does truly sound very interesting: for once not a movie about an evil/bad priest, but a good one. This priest, James Lavelle, played by Brendan Gleeson, is trying to better the world despite the bitter, even hateful attitude of his fellow inhabitants of the small town Calvary. One day during confession, he is threatened by some unknown dark force, and next, havoc is being wreaked onto his small town. It seems to be part dark comedy and drama, part thriller, with a thoughtful script that’s riddled with religious discussion. I personally like religious discussion, but let’s hope it doesn’t get too moralistic.
Are you curious about Calvary? Did you see The Guard (2011), the previous collaboration between Brendan Gleeson and director John Michael McDonagh?
Does content like this matter to you?
Become a Member and support film journalism. Unlock access to all of Film Inquiry`s great articles. Join a community of like-minded readers who are passionate about cinema - get access to our private members Network, give back to independent filmmakers, and more.