Watch Priest

In the movie Priest from 1994, starring Linus Roache, Tom Wilkinson, and Robert Carlyle, we follow the story of a young Catholic priest named Father Greg Pilkington, played by Roache. Father Greg is assigned to a small parish in a run-down area of Liverpool where he quickly discovers a community divided by poverty, unemployment, and rampant drug addiction.

As Father Greg tries to find ways to help his parishioners and connect with the community, he is faced with a series of moral dilemmas that ultimately challenge his faith and his relationship with the Church. One of Father Greg's biggest challenges comes in the form of Father Matthew Thomas, played by Wilkinson, a fellow priest who has been hiding a dark secret. Father Thomas was involved in a scandal years earlier and has now become a hardened cynic who disdains the Church's outdated teachings and practices.

Despite his initial disdain for Father Greg, the two priests eventually strike up a tenuous friendship as Father Greg begins to experience doubts about his own faith and commitment to the Church. Matters come to a head when Father Greg is forced to confront the Church's stance on homosexuality when he is approached by a young male parishioner, played by Carlyle, who is struggling with his own sexuality and is desperate for guidance and acceptance.

The movie Priest is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of faith, doubt, and morality that is brought to life by the outstanding performances of its cast, particularly Roache and Wilkinson. Roache's portrayal of Father Greg is both sensitive and nuanced, capturing the character's inner turmoil and existential crisis perfectly, while Wilkinson delivers a strong and convincing turn as the disillusioned Father Thomas. Carlyle, though in a smaller role, is equally impressive as the troubled young man seeking guidance and acceptance from Father Greg.

What makes Priest stand out is the way in which it tackles the thorny issues of sexuality and faith head-on, refusing to take the easy way out and treating its characters and their beliefs with equal respect and compassion. The movie's refusal to offer easy answers or moral platitudes makes it all the more powerful, leaving audiences with plenty to ponder and discuss long after the credits have rolled.

Overall, Priest is a compelling and thought-provoking drama that is as relevant today as it was when it was first released over two decades ago. Its themes of faith, doubt, and social justice are timeless, and its performances, particularly those of Roache and Wilkinson, are simply outstanding. It may not be an easy movie to watch at times, but it is one that is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on all who view it.

Priest is a 1994 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.