In 14th Century England, this tale of murder and mystery follows a fugitive priest who falls in with a troupe of actors. As they arrive in a small town, the actors encounter a woman being sentenced to death for practicing witchcraft and murder. Discarding the expected bible stories, the actors now stage a performance based on the crime. Through the performance of the play, they discover a mystery.
Acting
Paul Bettany's priest-on-the-run desperation is chef's kiss.
Production
Mud, plague, and authenticity that makes you smell the 14th century.
Writing
Meta-narrative about plays revealing truth? *Italian chef kiss*
Director
Paul McGuigan
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Based on Barry Unsworth's 'Morality Play'—the novel won the Booker Prize nominee and this adaptation barely got a theatrical release.
This was Tom Hardy's second film role; he's 'Straw,' the mute actor, and communicates entirely through physical performance.
GB
