The Confessional

I had the opportunity to see "The Confessional" at it's first screening; a real standout in the field of independently produced features, one that deserves to be seen. Cotton's vision of a troubled small-town priest is at first dark and brooding then explosive and bloody.

Overall, the acting was top-notch. Peter Quartaroli's performance as Leonard gave me a character that I've not seen before, and won't soon forget. While the Hitchcock style pacing can feel slow, it lured me deeper into Leonard's mind, and set up the surprises that come quickly later as the climax builds.

I have seen Bettina Devin in several movies and on stage. Her stage and movie presence is, Not only brilliant and captivating but she has "That Thing", that draws you in and makes you sit up and take notice. That quality that makes you know that she should be a "STAR". She is such a believable character in this movie that you feel like you really know her and feel what she is thinking and doing and feeling through out the performance. Qudos to her on a great job. Lets hope we see a lot more of her. I felt the other characters did a very good job on there roles, however the lead may have over played his part a little but showed he also has a real talent.

Kip Mackey

This film had everything I could hope for - creepiness, comedy, and crime! (Any film that has someone taking a shovel to the face is OK in my book...I hope this film gets picked up and goes into wide release soon - it takes a theme used in dramas in the past (childhood innocence subjected to the twisted motivations of a sick and demented authority figure - this time in the guise of a Catholic priest - and lets us, the viewers, see the fallout some 30 years later when we see the child as a man, trapped by motivations that are beyond his control (or are they??). Remember people, you are what you eat - "Soup is strength!" - and if you don't know what I'm talking about, that means you haven't seen the film yet - a situation that you must rectify upon the release of this film!

Once in awhile an independent film comes along where only some people have heard about it, and more people should. The Confessional is that film. Written and Directed by James Anthony Cotton, The Confessional is a psychological thriller that is both intriguing and creepy. Fans of Hitchcock horror will definitely appreciate it.

The cast includes Peter Quartaroli (The Scorpion King), Jane Longenecker, (JAG) Patrick Kilpatrick (Minority Report) and Victor Browne (Tremors), all of whom have some well-known acting gigs. Quartaroli plays Leonard, the main psycho who was abused by a priest as a child and seeks to find his own fulfillment. It is Quartaroli's performance that carries the whole story from beginning to end. The creepy factor is a high "10" on the Creepy Scoring Scale. His mannerisms, his voice and the pacing of his words all make your skin crawl up the back of your neck. It is his character that makes you want to know what happens next, and it is intrigue that keeps your eyes glued to the screen.

The entire cast of characters was very well done; each one had great chemistry on screen with the other. The script was well written, with great dialogue and scene setting, which brought the story to life. The twist at the end was a fantastic way to bring everything together.

So If you're looking for an independent thriller to watch, The Confessional is one you don't want to ignore.

"The Confessional" is a suspense thriller in the vein of Hitchcock. Character driven, the film relies on performance and plot rather than sex and gratuitous violence, a refreshing change. Peter Quartaroli delivers an amazingly nuanced and riveting performance as Leonard, a disturbed priest. He sends chills down your spine with the slightest turn of his head or smoldering smile. Much to his credit director James Anthony Cotton is able to capture these nuances and etch them in your mind where they dwell long after the movie is over. Mr. Cotton has stated that this is the first film in a trilogy. Here's to hoping that this film finds distribution and Mr. Cotton is able to get a budget worthy of his directorial abilities for the next two.