Surviving Confession

This is a really great independent film, shot really beautifully and such a clever use of this location! I really enjoyed it. Genuinely funny, it is a tiny bit slow in places, you might wonder where the film is going... but there's an incredible payoff at the end, so stay for that! Absolutely fantastic performances from all of the cast, in particular Clayton Nemrow as Father Morris and Jessica Lynn Parsons as Amber. Matthew Tibbenham directs an interesting exploration of humanity, with heart and humour! Surviving Confession is definitely one to watch!!

First of all, the writing of this screenplay is superior to almost any film, that I've seen. It explores the human condition, of those, who choose to represent a religion on the front lines, their needs, duties and self-evaluations. It focuses on the human behind the collar, behind the symbolism and mystique. It is very much like a play, taking place in one location, with the protagonist using soliloquies to confide in the audience. It is a film about ideas and emotions. The acting is also superior. It needs to be, to render such a simple set-up so powerful. It succeeds amazingly well, at this. The photography and staging are very well done, which I suppose is the main job of the director. It has a wonderful sense of humour, to balance its wrenching pathos. I grew up, indoctrinated in this particular religion, which of course gave the film a particular significance to me. This is a small drama, for deep thinking, and emotionally open adults.

I admit I caught this film because I know the director (full disclosure) but it's a genuinely nice piece of work, with funny dialogue and interesting ideas, especially considering it was produced on such a small budget. Bodes very well for future projects from Mr. Tibbenham. Kudos also to Clayton Nemrow, the beleaguered priest at the centre of the film. He's a charismatic actor, funny and compelling to watch, even when just in his little cloister--so important as he carries much of film.

When a young woman visits a priest for a confession, the two start an unlikely conversation and the more it goes on, the more he feels conflicted with his faith and by the end he has his world turned upside down.

This is a surprising good movie. Dialogues constitute almost the entirety of the film and they are really well written, sustaining the dynamics among the characters. The dialogue between the priest and Amber, the young woman, is interspersed with different confessions, meaningful conversations with various characters that enrich the story. Small-scaled in term of movie-making, this is huge in term of exploration of human psychology and that makes some of the best cinema.

Challenged on love and life by Amber, the piest's faith falters. A confession without guilt seems ultimately to push him to reject his vows, seemingly having lost trust into this sacrament. Is confession still relevant in this modern world? Will the priest leave the Church? What is Amber motivation to look into confession? All these dynamics will find a satysfying conclusion rich in significance.

Highly recommended.

This film is funny and authentic but also very emotional and touching at times. I thoroughly enjoyed it and really connected to Clayton Nemrow's character, he was very accessible, entertaining and a great actor.

I thought it was made well and loved the simplicity of the setting.

Definitely worth a watch!