Watch Last Rites

Last Rites is a 1988 thriller directed by Donald P. Bellisario and starring Tom Berenger, Daphne Zuniga, and Chick Vennera. The film follows the story of Father Michael Pace (Berenger), a Catholic priest who is forced to confront his beliefs and moral principles when he becomes involved with a mobster's mistress, Angela (Zuniga). The drama is set in New York City and offers an eerie and dark atmosphere throughout. Father Pace is a compassionate priest who dedicates himself to his duties, and performs his religious duties with great care and devotion. Despite his vocation, Father Pace is a flawed character who struggles to remain faithful to his chosen path. The complexity of Father Pace's character is at the heart of this movie, and the story explores the intricate emotional and psychological turmoil he experiences as he confronts his own inner demons.

As the story unfolds, we learn that Angela is in a relationship with a powerful mobster named Pasquale (Vennera). When Angela becomes pregnant, she seeks the help of Father Pace to perform an abortion in secret. Despite his moral principles, Father Pace agrees to help Angela, and the two begin a secret affair. As their relationship develops, the couple faces imminent danger not only from Pasquale's wrath but also from the Catholic Church, which forbids priests from having sexual relationships.

Last Rites offers a gripping narrative that deals with issues of morality and the internal conflict that arises when people are forced to confront their own beliefs. The film maintains a delicate balance between suspense and drama and successfully keeps viewers on the edge of their seats throughout.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Last Rites is the exploration of the Catholic Church's rigid hierarchy and its strict code of conduct. As a priest, Father Pace is bound by the Church's rules and regulations, but at the same time, he is also a human being with his own desires and needs. The film shows how Father Pace struggles to find a balance between his faith, his desires, and his duty. The movie also raises the question of whether the Church's strict moral code is out of touch with modern times.

Tom Berenger delivers a captivating performance as Father Pace, embodying the character with sensitivity and depth. Daphne Zuniga also gives an impressive and nuanced performance as Angela. Zuniga's interpretation of the role presents Angela as a multi-layered character rather than simply a one-dimensional mistress. Chick Vennera's portrayal of Pasquale is fierce and intimidating, and he makes for a convincing villain.

The film's climax is intense and satisfying, providing a satisfying conclusion to the story's multiple plot threads. Last Rites isn't a traditional thriller, but rather a nuanced, thought-provoking drama that offers an insightful exploration into the human psyche. The script is well-written, and the character development throughout the movie is well-executed.

In summary, Last Rites is a well-crafted drama that provides a unique perspective on the Catholic Church and the world of morality that priests must navigate. The film features strong performances from its leading actors and offers a compelling narrative that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. It's a movie that is likely to leave a lasting impression on anyone who watches it.

Last Rites is a 1988 romance movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.1.