Priest (1994) – Film Review

Director: Antonia Bird
Cast: Linus Roache, Tom Wilkinson, Robert Carlyle
Certificate: 15

By Sarah Morgan

The idea of a Catholic priest straying from his vows isn’t exactly a new one, but few on-screen projects have treated the idea quite so sensitively and in as thought-provoking a manner as Antonia Bird’s 1994 movie.

It’s a rather low-key production too, in the very best sense of the term – there are no histrionics or big, swelling soundtracks to distract the eye from the story at its heart. Everything is delivered in a hugely realistic fashion, with a brilliant central performance from Linus Roache. The dialogue and plot are unpretentious too, as you would expect from a writer of the calibre of Jimmy McGovern, the man who also brought us Cracker, Hillsborough, The Lakes and The Street.

“Sensitive portrayal”

Roache plays Father Greg Pilkington, a young priest eager to do right by the working-class attendees at the church in his new, inner-city Liverpool parish. Initially his idealistic approach clashes with that of his older colleague, Father Matthew Thomas, who has been breaking the vow of celibacy for years by having an affair with their housekeeper, but two incidences soon put Father Greg’s faith to the test.

The first deals with the abuse of a young girl by her father; in normal circumstances, he would report it to the authorities, but because he’s found out about it via the confessional, he’s supposedly duty bound to keep it to himself. The second involves his own sexuality; Father Greg is gay and finds himself drawn to a man he meets at a local club during a rare night off.

As the truth is revealed, the church authorities and his congregation turn on him, although there may be salvation in sight.

Roache was largely unknown at the time of filming, apart from to those who may have remembered him appearing as a child alongside his real-life father, William, as Ken Barlow’s son Peter in several episodes of Coronation Street. His sensitive portrayal here marked him out as an actor of note.

“Lost talent”

There is also a fascinating interview with him among the special features, in which he looks back at his decision to become an actor, as well as the filming of Priest, including his admission that he was rather frightened of co-star Robert Carlyle – he had seen him play a terrifying character in the TV drama Safe, and imagined he was just the same in real life!

Safe was also directed by Antonia Bird, a great lost talent; she passed away, aged just 62, after a battle with cancer in 2013. She did, however, leave behind a wealth of fascinating projects, which also includes the movies Face and Ravenous, both of which saw her reteam with Carlyle.

Look out too for the much-missed Tom Wilkinson, alongside Cathy Tyson, Christine Tremarco, Robert Pugh and Lesley Sharp.

As well as the Roache interview, among the special features are two chats with McGovern and an archive interview with Bird.

Sarah Morgan( Writer )

Sarah Morgan studied film journalism at post-graduate level with the BFI and has been writing about TV and film for PA Media’s newspaper, magazine and new media customers since 1996. She’s also written for a wide range of other publications, both online and in print, including the book Offbeat and Intermission magazine, and is a regular contributor to the Talking Pictures TV podcast. When she isn’t watching movies, she’s collecting and reading vintage crime and horror paperback books or, for her sins, watching her beloved Sheffield Wednesday.

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FAQs – Priest (1994) BFI Blu-ray & Digital

What is Priest about?

A young Catholic priest in inner-city Liverpool wrestles with the seal of confession and his sexuality – testing his faith, duty and conscience.

Who wrote and directed it?

Writer – Jimmy McGovern. Director – Antonia Bird.

Who stars?

Linus Roache as Father Greg Pilkington – Tom Wilkinson as Father Matthew Thomas – Robert Carlyle in a key supporting role – with Cathy Tyson, Lesley Sharp and others.

Why was it controversial?

Its candid treatment of clerical celibacy, abuse disclosed in confession and a gay priest sparked debate on release – handled here with sensitivity and realism.

What is the UK certificate and runtime?

Certificate 15 – 111 minutes.

What are the technical specs?

1080p HD presentation – aspect ratio 1.66:1 – LPCM 2.0 stereo – English language with optional descriptive subtitles.

What special features are included?

New interview with Linus Roache – Jimmy McGovern BAFTA & BFI lecture – McGovern on Priest – 1995 Guardian Interview with Antonia Bird – short featurettes – 1953 documentary The Priest – trailer – first-pressing booklet with new essays.

How is Linus Roache’s performance?

Quietly powerful and empathetic – a breakthrough turn that anchors the film’s moral complexity.

Is the film preachy?

No – it is low-key, character-driven and non-histrionic, focusing on dilemmas rather than easy answers.

What themes will resonate today?

Conscience versus institution – safeguarding and disclosure – compassion, hypocrisy and personal integrity.

Is this edition worthwhile for collectors?

Yes – strong HD presentation, substantial contextual extras and a first-pressing booklet make it an excellent upgrade.