Say Your Prayers

Say Your Prayers is a fascinating independent British dark comedy film that was released in 2020. The film brilliantly meshes crime, comedy, and religion, forming a unique narrative that leaves its audiences in stitches, gasps, and thoughts. Directed by Harry Michell, the film's cast includes experienced actors such as Will Barton, Harry Melling, and Tom Brooke, known for their standout performances in various film genres, providing the film with a rich blend of talent.

The movie revolves around two hapless, orphaned brothers, Tim and Vic, portrayed impressively by Harry Melling and Tom Brooke, respectively. Raised and isolated within the confines of a radical Yorkshire church known as The Parish, these brothers grew up unaware of the world outside their constricting borders. The Parish, run by an eccentrically unscrupulous Father Enoch, played by Derek Jacobi, has one primary commandment that goes against traditional Christian teachings - murder is acceptable if the cause is sufficiently holy.

In Say Your Prayers, audiences will watch as the brothers experience a significant shock when they're sent on a divine mission by Father Enoch – to assassinate a well-known atheist author, Professor John Huxley, enacted by Roger Allam. Fresh out of their sheltered lives, the brothers find themselves thrown into a world they have little understanding of – a modern world teeming with taboos their religious upbringing unequivocally disapproves of.

Their innocent awkwardness in society and unfamiliarity with "normal" life produce many comedic instances, creating the dark humor that this film promises. However, as their mission advances, the plot takes numerous unanticipated turns and terrifying twists. Their assassination attempt does not go as planned, leading to an unfortunate murder of the wrong person.

The mismatched local law enforcement duo, Agent Brough (Anna Maxwell Martin) and Agent Hodge (Flora Spencer-Longhurst), are handed the task of solving this quirky murder case. To their bewilderment, the clues accumulate pointing towards The Parish.

The strength of the movie rests not only on its engrossing storytelling but its fleshed-out characters. The remarkable transformation of the timid, reserved Tim (played by Harry Melling of the Harry Potter franchise), from a quiet, obedient follower of Father Enoch to an individual questioning the morality of their indoctrinated theological beliefs, is a captivating journey. On the other hand, Tom Brooke's portrayal of the deeply troubled and blindly faithful Vic, who battles with an inner turmoil of ethicality and loyalty, pitches the perfect antithesis to his brother.

Flawless performances by seasoned actor Derek Jacobi as Father Enoch and Roger Allam as Professor Huxley provide the polarizing ideologies that set the stage for this dramatic comedy. Jacobi embodies the zealotry of a manipulative religious leader with chilling gusto, while Allam's portrayal of the victim, a provocative, staunch atheist, balances the dynamic with logical counterarguments. Anna Maxwell Martin and Flora Spencer-Longhurst as the investigatory duo bring additional layers of humor and intrigue to an already complicated plot.

Say Your Prayers juxtaposes religious faith with existential reasoning. The movie challenges and satirizes the contradictory and hypocrisy within blindly followed organized religious practices and faith, but also shines a light on the dangers of manipulative leaders. At the same time, the film upholds the sanctity of individual beliefs and the power of questioning and dialogue.

Directed and co-written by Harry Michell with Jamie Fraser, the dialogue is sharp and filled with dark humor, allowing for plenty of unexpected laughs.

This film skillfully combines moral dilemmas, crime, religion, and dark humor, resulting in a witty, engaging, and thought-provoking cinematic experience. With an intricate storyline, excellent performances, and a raw touch of reality – Say Your Prayers is a film that will entertain, challenge, and make you ponder long after it ends.