Calvary - Movie Review

Chris Stuckmann reviews Brendan Gleeson, Chris O'Dowd, Kelly Reilly, Aidan Gillen, Dylan Moran, Isaach De Bankolé, M. Emmet Walsh, Marie-Josée Croze, Domhnall Gleeson, David Wilmot. Directed by John Michael McDonagh.

[RyanHollinger]

Honestly, I saw this film when it released here back in April and I think it works more effectively if you're part of it's culture. Yes, it tackles broad issues with the church, but I found it more relatable because the locals in the film are like genuine people I'm associated with. It's difficult to transition British/Irish cinema to American audiences because the pace of life is such a contrast.

[Casanova-Frankenstein_]

Honestly one of the best films I've ever seen.

[Lucols]

There are few real actors out there. Gleeson is one of them

[axel]

The film never tries to be a mystery. If you're paying close enough attention, it's pretty easy to figure out who threatened him before the movie is even a third of the way done. It's much more mature than a twist mystery ending. It's about seeing what he chooses to do with his few remaining days, and how even a man as composed and faithful as himself can unravel and get angry and have doubts like every other person in the town. And you know he knows who it is the whole time,  and it's fascinating to see what he does (or doesn't do) with that knowledge, and how he is just accepting his fate. And we are sharing Gleeson's character's emotional journey there, because we have to accept his death just like he does, and as much as we may keep hoping for some deus ex machina to swoop in at the last second, we have to watch his brains get splattered all over the beach, and we have to accept that. What a mature, impressive film.

[thescoobymike]

The final scene made me cry. I’m always a sucker for redemption stories in movies. That’s why ROTJ is my favorite Star Wars movie.

[jck]

The director of this movie (John Michael McDonagh) and his brother (Martin McDonagh) are both awesome. Between them they've directed some great movies: The Guard, In Bruges, Seven Psychopaths. The dialogue in their movies in particular is always very good.

[wanbawmcgraw]

This was one of the best movies of 2014

[SnGProds]

John Michael and Martin McDonagh are both such brilliant writers.

[DonoughMurphy]

Loved it with this and "In Bruges" I'm so relieved Ireland can make a good mark on cinema.

[themusic]

The McDonagh's have a way of directing that makes everything seem bleak and uncomfortable, so when humour is thrown in it's very dark and unnerving. Also I wouldn't say this movie was about the mystery as it's not hard to tell who made the death threat. It's more about the week that follows and seeing the priest settle his life and fight his own personal demons & doubts with God. The ending is truly powerful not for the reveal but for the emotional cost of it. Absolutely fantastic film.

[Thagomizer]

Amazing movie, though it also left me feeling a bit sad. I very much identified with Fr. James, because I also know what it feels like to have a firm but weary faith when you're surrounded with constant reminders that your culture views it with complete contempt.

[philipkehoe]

Dylan Morans monologue near the end is great.

[isaacruthen]

Really glad you reviewed this movie Chris, but I think you missed a big part of the film. The opening scene is meant to give an overall "impending doom" feeling, that sort of hovers over the picture as a whole. However, as the film continues, the opening scene starts to fade out of memory and the movie becomes about Brendan Gleeson and his relationship with all these people and how it ultimately starts to weigh heavily on him. The conversations aren't meant to give "another suspect" as you put it, but rather all the characters were an avenue for Gleeson's character to explore some of the darker aspects of humanity and test himself against it, to see if he could stay true and not revert to his own dark past. It's not until the end when the film comes full circle when Gleeson realizes he cannot escape his fate, no matter how good, or bad he is. Things happen regardless. I'm glad you liked it, but maybe give it one more look and I think you'll realize much more of the intricacies and subtleties that this film has to offer. One of my best of the year

[MarkArandjus]

Has that wonderful mix of misery and humor, tragedy and comedy that the Irish are masters of. It's def a film that sticks with you.

[MultiplexShow]

Calvary is probably my favorite movie made by either of the McDonaghs since In Bruges

[oisindolaghan]

I've just.finished watching this movie, I think it is.absolutely incredible. My favourite film of 2014. Being Irish, I totally agree with with Ryan Hollinger's.comment about the transition of Irish/British to America. Just, fantastic and I recommend it to everyone! 10/10 from me.

[denisred]

If you want to know what is wrong with the Oscars....you only need look to this picture since it should have won both Best Actor and Best Original Screenplay. It wasn't even nominated for either. And that my friends...tells you all you need to know about the Oscars. That fact is...it was just too good.
A genuine, genuine masterpiece; it was on wholly another level

[mrpotatoprawn]

I could argue that this movie has some of the most well crafted character development in film.

[kworthington]

Calvary was an amazing movie best of the year so far.

[josemanosalvas]

You should add to the review that the soundtrack is just BEAUTIFUL