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.

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.

A great film! The director creates a work that is full of suspense. I had an opportunity and sincere pleasure to view the film at the recent screening or premier. The director builds a strong dark thriller. The lead actor who plays Leonard provides a very exciting and sinister performance. He uses everything in his acting disposal in order to convey subtle variations on the dark, troubled character of Leonard.The film brings something new to the table. From it's dark plot filled with suspense to the smallest details of the film's sculptures- it solidifies its status as a modern film classic. Director James Anthony Cotton knows how fear of the unknown is the most potent fear of all, and he uses this as the driving central force. A really fun thriller of a film!

"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.

Disturbed killer escapes from asylum and assumes the identity of a priest. Sound premise boringly executed. Do yourself a favor and watch Night of the Hunter instead.