Absolutely brilliant

The first must-see film of the year.

This film is so real. It treats its characters with so much care and sensitivity.

It is encouraging that the film ends so strongly.Otherwise, it wouldn't have been a particularly memorable film

What a GREAT (and simple) set-up: a small town, a priest, a confession and a threat. Wind it up, and let it go. But this film resisted plot devices and quirkiness and easy answers...it opted for dark and difficult questions. And interesting characters asking them. Unfortunately, it also got to a point where it felt like the "dark and difficult" part was more important than anything else.

I wasn't expecting much from this Irish drama but was pleasantly surprised at the content and thoroughly enjoyed this movie.The ever-reliable Brendan Gleeson plays Father James a quietly well-meaning priest who is threatened by an unknown during confession. The movie shows the following week as Father James tries to go about his duties whilst having the threat hanging over his head.It is no one-man show and excellent support is given by Game of Thrones actor Aiden Gillen as well as Dylan Moran and the 79 year old M.Emmet Walsh along with a few other familiar faces.The sensitive drama, accompanied by some darkly humour and often thought-provoking situations, is brilliantly acted, beautifully shot and is certainly a hidden gem.You will enjoy this movie and also come away thinking a lot about life.

The title and the explanation of the film are very misleading. I thought maybe it was more about the supernatural or even something more sinister. Instead it was a highly entertaining and serious movie that I couldn't stop watching. Brendan Gleeson is really under rated as an Actor but this movie allows him to shine, along with all of those around him. What a great "sleeper" movie. You'll be very glad you took the time to watch it.

I have never gotten to watch Calvary until yesterday when it was showing on the RTE one channel. I was offered by Sligeach Films to be an extra of this film back in 2012 but unfortunately, I was doing my Leaving Cert at the time so I was unable to get involved in the project.As some other reviewer said about this film, you wouldn't think of it to be so dark because there has being a good few comedians involved in this, such as Chris O'Dowd and Pat Shortt. I was actually surprised that Chris O'Dowd's character shot Brendan Gleeson's character in the end, you honestly wouldn't think O'Dowd could play as a serial killer but there ya go, things can happen surprisingly in the film industry! The views are Sligo are really good but, you would think that John Michael McDonagh advertised the county a bit more. I mean, it felt like it was going back and forth to different locations. I mean Dublin had enough of films being made but somewhere outside the county like Sligo should be recognised a bit for the economy. As well as saying that, the film also took place in Sligo Airport which unfortunately doesn't offer scheduled flights anymore, I mean, I wish the film made a difference to getting the airport back up again! Anyways enough of my rant, this was a really good film so I'm giving this rating of 8/10!