The Rover reviews the Irish seriocomedy 

John Michael McDonagh’s Calvary, released in April 2014, provides a glimpse into the grim realities of the life of an Irish priest, convincingly portrayed by Brendan Gleeson.  Living in a small Irish village and facing a community still marred by clergy sexual abuse, Father Lavelle’s faith is challenged by the resentment of many of his parishioners towards the Church.

The opening scene, set in a confessional, sets a morbid tone as a man’s voice states that he was repeatedly sexually abused by a priest when he was 7.  The man makes clear his intention to kill a good priest, Fr. Lavelle, to make amends for the acts of the abusive priest, who is now deceased.

Gleeson’s expressive face shows his character’s torment as he reacts to the troubling announcement in the confessional.  This opening scene progresses into the rest of the film, which depicts Fr. Lavelle’s interactions with the various people in his town.  The other characters include Veronica, who sleeps around town; her husband, Jack; her lover, Simon; wealthy Michael; and an atheist doctor.

Father Lavelle is a widower working to heal his relationship with his own daughter, Fiona, as he strives to mend society’s relationship with the Church.  He discerned a vocation to the priesthood after the death of his wife, but his decision left Fiona feeling bereaved of both parents.  Throughout the film, Fr. Lavelle considers his identity and his relationships with God and the community.

The film does not often show Fr. Lavelle turning to God in prayer, but rather highlights other aspects of his life, such as those times when he must keep silent in response to violent words, or the time he is incapable of doing so after giving in to the temptation of drinking.

Calvary earns its R rating with strong characters voicing poignant opinions.  There are scattered swear words, harsh sexual references, and occasional instances of graphic violence.  These elements of the film add to its intensity, making it hard to handle at times, but do not detract from the viewing experience.

Some central themes of the story include forgiveness, of both oneself and others, and the idea that one must speak his mind while understanding that he cannot force others to change their views.

The characters in this film are raw and human, revealing the beautiful, the horrible, and the humorous.  There are uplifting moments, like when a young woman loses her husband in a car accident but remains strong in her faith.  There are horrifying moments, when a shameless adulterer mocks a priest.  And there are moments to laugh, even at the dry wit of a skeptic.

Calvary provides more questions than answers.  It portrays the humanity of those in the religious life.  This story acknowledges the flaws of all people, while examining the effect that our flaws have on society and on the Catholic Church.

Many characters had quick one-liners, prompting a wry chuckle, a lingering thought, or a visceral moan.  Father Lavelle tells a young man that he has always thought it “psychopathic to join the army during peacetime” and continues to explain that people “join an army to figure out what it’s like to kill people.”  The young man wants to go to war because he believes soldiering may put to good use his violent urges, which are currently directed towards all the women who refuse to sleep with him.

Father Lavelle explains to his daughter that choices one makes at the age of 30 are different from those one makes at the age of 60.  His anguished daughter replies, “… every moment of living has its own logic, its own meaning.”

The film culminates when the vengeful man from the confessional is revealed to Fr. Lavelle.  This man provides the dark perspective that, “A friend is just an enemy you haven’t made yet.”

Offering a realistic portrayal of the hard themes of forgiveness, corruption in the Church, and the best and worst of humanity, this film does not provide closure.  What the film did provide, however, was a glimpse into many troubled lives, which in turn could shed light upon the lives of receptive viewers willing to step out of their comfort zones and give thought to the darker aspects of life.

 

Natalie Ambrosio is a sophomore environmental science major who enjoys competing with the squirrels for the best branches in the trees.  So look up to find her there or email her at nambrosi@nd.edu.