The Tribunal

The Tribunal is a 2016 American faith-based drama directed by Marc Leif and written by Marc Leif and Scott Leif. The film features remarkable performances from Ryan Wesley Gilreath, Laura E. Mock, and Chris Petty, who imbue their roles with sincerity and conviction, making the film's emotionally complex narrative engaging and believable.

The film is a layered, intricately weaved tale filled with anguish, uncertainty, romantic tension, faith, and redemption. It cunningly intertwines elements of the courtroom drama genre with that of romantic tragedy. Propelling from a dialogue-driven narrative, the story's depth lies in its characters and their conflict rather than emphasizing action-packed sequences or visual tricks.

The story primarily revolves around two close friends, Tony "Gits" Gitano (played convincingly by Ryan Wesley Gilreath) and Joe "Jobie" Boyd (Chris Petty brilliantly portrays the character). They are both musicians, roommates, and Catholic. However, their close-knit friendship encounters a serious challenge when they both fall for the same woman, Emily Fisher (Laura E. Mock).

Emily is a successful lawyer, beautiful, and a devout Catholic. When she is introduced to both men at different instances, she sparks a romantic connection with both, leading to a complicated love triangle that tests the bounds of morality, friendship, and faith. Here, The Tribunal skillfully fleshes out the intricate dynamics involved, getting to the heart of questions like what love truly means, and at which point does romantic fascination intersect with spiritual conviction.

The heart of the story is the Catholic tribunal, which is convened to resolve the dilemma. An essential element of the Catholic faith, the tribunal, is a Church court that handles, among other things, marriage annulment cases. In the context of the film, the tribunal is used as a powerful metaphor, placing romantic love on trial and seeking Divine guidance to render a judgment.

Ryan Wesley Gilreath in the role of "Gits" is especially noteworthy, navigating the complexities of his character who is torn between his affection for Emily and his loyalty to his best friend, Jobie. His character's dry humor provides a comedic relief in what is overall an emotionally heavy narrative.

Chris Petty, playing Jobie, rises to the challenge of depicting a character who grapples with bipolar disorder and his feelings for Emily. His performance imparts a unique realism to the story and adds depth to the plot, keeping the audience engaged and empathizing with the characters' struggles.

Meanwhile, Laura E. Mock skillfully conveys Emily's character, a woman deeply devoted to her religion and in love with two men. She handles the intricacies of her character's conflicted emotions with maturity and nuance, providing a fulcrum around which the plot pivots.

The film's appeal is its ability to present its heavy themes with sincerity, and it doesn't shy away from exploring the human condition's messier sides. Mock, Gilreath, and Petty's commitment to their characters shine forth, elegantly portraying love, spiritual belief, friendship, and guilt.

In addition to the central theme of love and faith, the film also undertakes the task of shining a light on mental health issues through Jobie's character. This subplot is handled with finesse and sensitivity, contributing to the overall emotional depth of the narrative.

The Tribunal, with its unique narrative and engrossing performances, draws the viewers into a deeply personal tale of love, faith, and redemption against the backdrop of Catholic belief. It keeps the audience on tenterhooks as they step into the courtroom drama, reminiscent of the traditional dramatic theatrics weaved together with raw, intertwined personal narratives of Gits, Jobie, and Emily.

Overall, The Tribunal offers itself as a thought-provoking, emotional roller-coaster that engages the viewer not just with its excellent performances and earnest storytelling, but also the questions it raises about faith, love, friendships, and life's constant tribulations. It takes us into reflecting territories, considering mortality, faith, love, and destiny. Through its vibrant characters and compelling storyline, the film invites viewers to question their perceptions about love, faith, mental health, and the thin line between right and wrong.