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critics consensus

A deft directorial debut from Antonia Bird, Priest handles its sensitive subject with care -- despite certain sanctimonious sentiments. Read critic reviews

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Priest Photos

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Movie Info

The Rev. Greg Pilkington (Linus Roache) is homosexual and a Roman Catholic priest who takes his vows and his love of God seriously. When a young girl confesses to him that her father has been sexually abusing her, Pilkington is overcome with protective rage and feels that he must break the secrecy rules binding the confessional in order to stop the abuse. As the case haunts him, Pilkington is forced to confront the transgression of his lack of celibacy through sex with other men.
  • Rating:
    R
  • Genre:
    drama, gay and lesbian
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Antonia Bird
  • Producer:
    George Faber, Josephine Ward
  • Writer:
    Jimmy McGovern
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $3.8M
  • Runtime:
  • Production Co:
    Miramax Films, PolyGram Filmed Entertainment
  • Sound Mix:
    Dolby SR

Cast & Crew

Linus Roache
Father Greg Pilkington
Tom Wilkinson
Father Matthew Thomas
Cathy Tyson
Maria Kerrigan
James Ellis
Father Ellerton
Robert Carlyle
Graham
John Bennett
Father Redstone
Rio Fanning
Bishop
Jim R. Coleman
Funeral Director
Lesley Sharp
Mrs. Unsworth
Robert Pugh
Mr. Unsworth
Antonia Bird
Director
Jimmy McGovern
Writer
Mark Shivas
Executive Producer
George Faber
Producer
Josephine Ward
Producer
Andy Roberts
Original Music
Fred Tammes
Cinematographer
Susan Spivey
Film Editor
Janet Goddard
Casting
Raymond Langhorn
Production Design
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Critic Reviews for Priest

All Critics (23) | Top Critics (8) | Fresh (16) | Rotten (7)

View All Critic Reviews (23)

Audience Reviews for Priest

  • Oct 20, 2016
    A dark drama about the crisis of faith of a priest who is a homosexual. There are a few problems with the film: There was not a single likeable character, especially Father Thomas who is a communist hypocrite; it seemed more like an attack on Catholic church more than anything and the story was really slow. However, the acting was pretty impressive and the direction was also pretty good to make it worthwatching, even if frustrating.
    Sylvester K Super Reviewer
  • Aug 02, 2014
    A well-meaning film that touches on too many issues to be effective. Sadly, this results in a degeneration into preachiness to make its points. A good performance by Roache and a somewhat better one by Wilkinson. Barely adequate production values.
    Christian C Super Reviewer
  • Feb 24, 2012
    Unreal at the time, Priest still remains a very powerful film about a homosexual who tries to hide behind the veils of the priesthood and finds his humanity something truly to be wrestled with. Gripping and great.
    John B Super Reviewer
  • Aug 31, 2011
    Its a film that deals with the serious ethical dilemmas that exist in the real world application of the Catholic faith, specifically if its even possible to do so. I'll concede that it gets preachy, but for the most part its truthful and very moving.
    Alec B Super Reviewer
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