The deeply held religious convictions of an idealistic young priest are challenged when he must face extraordinary events within his own congregation.
Acting
Linus Roache's trembling restraint—every glance is a confession.
Direction
Bird's unflinching Liverpool: grey skies, grittier morals.
Writing
Jimmy McGovern's script: confession as weapon and wound.
Director
Antonia Bird
Linus Roache
Father Greg Pilkington
Tom Wilkinson
Father Matthew Thomas
Robert Carlyle
Graham
Cathy Tyson
Maria Kerrigan
Lesley Sharp
Mrs. Unsworth
Robert Pugh
Mr. Unsworth
Christine Tremarco
Lisa Unsworth
James Ellis
Father Ellerton
Anthony Booth
Tommy
Paul Barber
Charlie
Rio Fanning
Bishop
Bill Dean
Altar Boy
Gilly Coman
Ellie Molloy
Fred Pearson
Patrick
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Released weeks before the first major UK Catholic sex abuse convictions; the Vatican called it 'sad' and 'sordid.' Mission accomplished.
Bird filmed the climactic church confrontation in one continuous take after Roache threatened to quit over retakes—his exhaustion is real, and perfect.
GB
