You think you know what the story is all about with the opening scenes. A man who was sexually abused as a child tells the priest in the confessional that priest is dead. Then states he didn't kill him, he wants ultimate revenge, to kill our innocent good priest, real payback in a way. But it then plays on that theme to show how Ireland, a highly Catholic country is changing. Lots of characters are introduced leading what the Church would once call immoral lives. They all in their own way ask who are you to preach morals to us after all the revelations that have happened. Very thought provoking, well acted, great scenic cinematography. It's no spoiler to say this reminded me in pace and ending of the classic Get Carter.

The movie is based on the same formula as American Beauty, but works in higher gear: most characters are obnoxious, detestable ; the story hardly makes any sense; we have violence, drugs, homosexuality, extremely morbid dialogues. The »deepest part« is the execution of an innocent man and splattered brains. This Irish movie also turns around the well known paedophilia in the Roman Catholic Church, presenting it in the most brutal way. It is interesting to look at the highly rated reviews: the titles often sound as advertisements. Calvary has not reached the rating of American Beauty though; the extra effort in nastiness did not pay off.If you are a normal man or woman, this movie will most probably ruin your day. I really do not understand the participating actors, who used their talent to make little bits and pieces more believable. Have they not read the whole script? Seriously, if you want to watch a good, touching film about child victims of sexual violence, see the South African movie Little One.

What a GREAT (and simple) set-up: a small town, a priest, a confession and a threat. Wind it up, and let it go. But this film resisted plot devices and quirkiness and easy answers...it opted for dark and difficult questions. And interesting characters asking them. Unfortunately, it also got to a point where it felt like the "dark and difficult" part was more important than anything else.

I wasn't expecting much from this Irish drama but was pleasantly surprised at the content and thoroughly enjoyed this movie.The ever-reliable Brendan Gleeson plays Father James a quietly well-meaning priest who is threatened by an unknown during confession. The movie shows the following week as Father James tries to go about his duties whilst having the threat hanging over his head.It is no one-man show and excellent support is given by Game of Thrones actor Aiden Gillen as well as Dylan Moran and the 79 year old M.Emmet Walsh along with a few other familiar faces.The sensitive drama, accompanied by some darkly humour and often thought-provoking situations, is brilliantly acted, beautifully shot and is certainly a hidden gem.You will enjoy this movie and also come away thinking a lot about life.