Surviving Confession

Surviving Confession is a compelling movie that skilfully delves into the realm of spirituality and human introspection. Directed by Matthew Tibbenham and released in 2019, it stars notable actors Jessica Lynn Parsons, Sarah Schreiber, and Clayton Nemrow. The film truly makes its mark as a drama with elements of comedy, couched in an intelligent scripting that breaks the fourth wall and directly engages the viewers.

The film unravels the journey of Clayton Nemrow, who plays Father Morris - a devout and introspective Catholic priest in crisis. The overarching theme of Surviving Confession is to question and explore one’s faith, in both broader and personal contexts. As Father Morris grapples with his own spiritual crisis and the toll it takes on his calling as a priest, the movie deftly balances the weight of its thematic underpinnings with moments of levity and humor.

Despite his internal turmoil, Father Morris is determined to fulfill his religious responsibilities. He eagerly welcomes the confessions of his parishioners, hoping that these acts of penance could somehow illuminate a path out of his own crisis. However, the confessions he hears turns out to be a far cry from typical confessions of 'small sins', they're often comical or banal, bizarre or upsetting, and they present him with an unexpected glimpse of human nature, plunging him deeper into his existential quandary.

Jessica Lynn Parsons delivers a stellar performance in her role as Amber, a woman you wouldn't expect to typically find in a church confession booth. Amber’s interaction with Father Morris forms a significant plot thread, offering a sharp contrast to his usual interactions with his parishioners. Her quirky personality, honesty, and vulnerability foster an engaging relationship between Father Morris and her. How this relationship unfolds during a single evening forms the core of the narrative. Through Amber and other characters, the movie cleverly challenges traditional notions of sin, redemption, and penance, often blurring the lines between what’s perceived as morally right or wrong.

Sarah Schreiber appears as an engaging character who, like Amber, contributes to the range of personalities that Father Morris encounters. The range of characters in the movie fuel Father Morris's introspective journey, forcing him to confront his demons.

Amid a tide of confessions, Father Morris undertakes an emotional roller coaster ride that is simultaneously humorous, heartbreaking, and enlightening. Despite the sacrament traditionally allowing for anonymity, his parishioners' sins become his own burden, further pushing him to question his faith, thereby challenging viewers' perspectives about religion, penance and morality.

Surviving Confession ingeniously breaks the monotone of a conventional church background by incorporating cinematic elements that involve the audience in the narrative and character development. The unique use of the fourth wall engages viewers and makes for a distinctive cinema experience. Regardless of their faith or beliefs, this film holds an appeal for anyone who enjoys thought-provoking dramas about the human condition and the spiritual odyssey to find one’s purpose in life.

Clayton Nemrow’s empathetic portrayal of a conflicted priest, along with power-packed performances from Jessica Lynn Parsons and Sarah Schreiber, anchors the engrossing narrative of Surviving Confession. The film combines sharp meetings of comedy and drama to explore human frailties, faith, and the pursuit of redemption. Despite its setting primarily within the confines of a confession booth, the film takes the audience on an expansive journey through the highs and lows of human emotions, creating a memorable cinema experience.

All things considered, Surviving Confession is a beautifully crafted movie that explores how personal crises lead to self-reflection and introspection, in this case under the interesting context of religion. It nimbly juggles humor with poignant moments, resulting in a genuine cinematic delight that resonates even after the credits roll.