Watch The Confessor

The Confessor is a dramatic thriller movie from 2004, directed by Lewin Webb, and starring Christian Slater, Stephen Rea, and Molly Parker. The film tells the story of a Catholic priest, Father Daniel Clemens (Christian Slater), who becomes embroiled in a murder investigation when the confessions of a dying man lead him to believe that a serial killer is on the loose in his town.

As the investigation deepens, Father Dan starts to uncover a web of corruption and deceit that points to a conspiracy involving the highest figures of the Catholic Church. In his quest for truth and justice, he teams up with a journalist, Kate (Molly Parker), and a former priest, Father Thomas (Stephen Rea), who has some dark secrets of his own.

The Confessor is a tense and atmospheric movie that explores the theme of faith and its complex relationship with power and morality. From the opening scene, the film establishes a brooding and eerie tone, as Father Dan is called to administer last rites to a dying man who cryptically tells him "I have sinned". This sets off a chain of events that will test Father Dan's faith and his loyalty to the Church.

As the investigation unfolds, Father Dan starts to realize that he may be in over his head. The police investigate the murders but seem more concerned with protecting the Church's reputation than catching the killer. Meanwhile, Father Thomas tries to keep him on the straight and narrow, warning him about the dangers of getting too deeply involved in the case.

Throughout the movie, Christian Slater gives a strong and restrained performance as Father Dan. He plays the role with a sense of gravitas and conviction, conveying the character's inner turmoil and conflicted loyalties. Molly Parker is also excellent as Kate, the journalist who helps him in his investigation. She brings a sense of moral clarity and determination to the role, showing how she is willing to risk her career and even her life to expose the truth.

Stephen Rea is brilliant as Father Thomas, a complex and nuanced character who adds a layer of ambiguity to the story. His character is a former priest who was defrocked after having an affair with a nun. He is haunted by his past and his doubts about the Church, yet he still retains a sense of faith and spiritual wisdom.

One of the strengths of The Confessor is its exploration of the Catholic Church and its role in society. The movie is not a polemic against the Church, but it does raise some uncomfortable questions about its hierarchy and its relationship with the law. The film shows how the Church can be both a source of comfort and guidance for its followers, and a corrupt institution capable of great evil.

The cinematography and the music are also noteworthy. The film is shot in a somber and atmospheric style, using muted colors and dark lighting to create a sense of mystery and foreboding. The music by Paul Zaza is haunting and evocative, using a mix of orchestral and choral arrangements to underscore the spiritual themes of the movie.

Overall, The Confessor is a thought-provoking and engaging movie that will appeal to fans of crime thrillers, religious dramas, and character-driven narratives. It is a mature and intelligent film that balances its genre elements with its deeper philosophical explorations. If you're looking for a gripping and suspenseful movie that will leave you pondering long after it's over, then The Confessor is definitely worth checking out.

The Confessor is a 2006 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.2.