Thy Kingdom Come

Thy Kingdom Come is a 2018 film that took audiences on an unexpected and unique journey of human connection, empathy, and self-discovery. This compelling drama is directed by Eugene Richards, known for his exceptional documentary filmmaking. The film stars Academy Award-winning actor Javier Bardem along with notables like Callie Elred and George Meyers.

Thy Kingdom Come starts with a simple but creative premise, wherein Bardem dons the cassock and collar of a priest. The allure of Bardem's character, a priest referred to as Father Quintana, is the foundation of this dramatic narrative that dives into the myriad aspects of human lives.

Moving beyond conventional boundaries of character and dialogue, this film, set in the heartland of America, explores the nuanced and complex relationships between the clergyman and the people he ministers. Bardem, one of the most powerful and acclaimed actors of his generation, brings fierceness and authenticity to his role and creates a connection that is palpable despite offering ‘estrangement’ as one of the central themes.

As Father Quintana, Bardem visits homes and hospitals to offer solace to the marginalized, disenfranchised, and the forgotten. His character carries a sense of loneliness and sorrow that intertwines with the lives of people he meets throughout his journey. His interactions lead to emotionally-charged and intensely personal dialogues that are disturbing, delightful, and deep at the same time.

The film uses a combination of scripted interactions and real-life scenarios, blurring the lines between reality and fiction. During these 'personal sessions,’ Father Quintana encounters a range of characters, each one dealing with their own struggles and insecurities. From a dying woman and a man estranged from his daughter to an angry teenager and a prison inmate, each character provides a glimpse into their personal world filled with fears, desires, regrets, and hopes.

Callie Elred as the cancer-stricken Faye and George Meyers portraying Roy, an ex-inmate seeking redemption, deliver outstanding performances. They, along with others, provide narrative moments that highlight poignant exchanges, introspective dialogues, and authentic reactions.

The cinematography of Thy Kingdom Come is a visual treat, underscoring the feeling of detachment and intimacy simultaneously. The camera, often static and lingering, captures the subjects in close-ups, making their emotional journey tangible to the viewers. It constantly maintains a level of visual intimacy that echoes the personal and revealing nature of the film’s content.

Thy Kingdom Come isn’t a traditional narrative and falls somewhere between a documentary and a fiction film. The film invites viewers to grapple with conceptions of religion, morality, suffering, and redemption. The depiction of the American heartland underlines the idea of hidden suffering in seemingly unremarkable places. The film emphasizes the universality of agony, desolation, and solitude wrapped in everyday life stories. But alongside it also pyramid themes of faith, compassion, and the human capacity for endurance.

The score is subtly accentuated, adding another layer to the storytelling. Rather than overpowering the narrative, it underscores the raw emotionality of the situations and dialogues.

Thy Kingdom Come also reminds one of Bardem's earlier effort, To the Wonder by Terrence Malick. Both the films blur the lines of traditional storytelling and reality, providing viewers an opportunity to experience film as an art form that merges the reel and real lives.

However, what sets Thy Kingdom Come apart is its intense exploration of the human condition. By portraying challenging situations and encounters, it encourages viewers to delve deeper into the complexities of existence and explore the important questions of life, morality, human connection, suffering, and redemption.

Thy Kingdom Come is a contemplative and immersive cinematic experience that examines the human condition's dichotomies. It empowers and encourages viewers to empathize with the characters and prompts introspection about their own experiences and notions of life. At its heart, Thy Kingdom Come passionately explores the profound need for human connection, compassion, and understanding.