Procession

Procession is an evocative, profound, and deeply moving documentary that sheds light on the obscured darkness hovering over religious institutions. Directed by Robert Greene and released in 2021, it presents an impactful narrative which revolves around the touchy subject of child abuse that can scar innocent lives forever.

Procession delves into the heart-wrenching tales of six men who were sexually abused by Catholic priests during their childhood in Kansas City. Far from being just another documentary exposing the scandal that rocked the religious world, the film follows the journey of these men as they navigate the emotional maelstroms of trauma and healing.

A unique storytelling device is used to amplify the potency of the movie. Rather than just sharing the stories, the film engages with experimental drama therapy techniques. Under the guidance of a professional drama therapist, Greene's subjects, the six survivors write and stage dramatized vignettes. These are drawn from their experiences and re-enact the traumatic incidents from their past. Through this process, the film fosters a rich, cathartic space that opens the doors of healing for these men, offering them a way to reclaim their power and direct control over their narratives.

The bold camera work greatly complements the complex emotional undercurrents of the film. The vast, reflective landscapes of the Midwest add a poetic backdrop to the raw and heartbreaking memories of abuse. The thoughtful cinematography simultaneously scopes in on the intimate expressions of pain, confusion, anger, and resolve on the faces of these men and sweeps across the hauntingly beautiful pan American landscapes, striking a delicate balance between the personal trauma and the larger sociocultural canvas.

The self-scripted scenes produced by the victims range from metaphorical confrontations to literal reenactments. Each scene echoes their pain, struggle, childhood inocence, and perseverence. They are entirely involved in the process; from writing, directing, designing, acting to even playing the roles of their perpetrators. The scenes are powerful metaphors, a tangible representation of their internal worlds, full of anger, guilt, sadness, and confusion. It showcases the struggle to reclaim a stolen individuality while challenging the vertical power structure of religious institutions.

Procession does not shy away from the enormity and complexity of systemic exploitation prevalent in a significant religious institution. Still, it simultaneously brings about an intimate study of trauma at an individual level. This dual process not just illuminates the abuse endured by children at the hands of trusted clergy but also underscores the systemic silent sanction of such crimes. This balance between personal memory and collective guilt is what gives Procession its unique treatment of the subject matter.

Robert Greene's direction is thoughtful and sensitive. He manages to navigate the intrusive aspects of the narrative without succumbing to the pitfalls of over-stylization or inconsiderate voyeurism. Greene respects his subjects’ boundaries and personal pain, only revealing as much as the men are comfortable with while tenderly maintaining their dignity throughout.

The narrative takes a powerful form as cinematic therapy, providing voice and validation to survivors, emphasizing the importance of mental health support for trauma survivors, and highlighting how such noiseless calamities are often hidden behind the walls of institutions we’re taught to trust.

With Procession, Greene has created a compelling testimony to resilience and therapeutic storytelling, tackling institutionalized abuse that has previously been shrouded in insidious silence. Despite its heavy subject matter, the film imbues a subtle sense of optimism. It underscores the possibility of transformation, healing and regaining power after traumatic experiences.

All in all, Procession is more than just a documentary. It’s a raw and poignant exploration of trauma and the healing power of storytelling. With an incredibly sensitive treatment of the subject matter, Procession dares to venture into the terrain of collective tragedy, traumatic memory, and personal redemption. Despite the deep-seated sorrow it addresses, this emotional journey insists on hopeful notes of resilience, understanding, and the possibility of closure, making it a must-watch film.