Backdrop
The Confession

The Confession (2010)

0h 26m | PG-13

⭐ 7.1 / 10

Sam can't think of any sins to tell the priest at his first confession. He worries that he won't be a real Catholic if the priest doesn't absolve him of some misdeed. Jacob, Sam's friend, devises a solution in the form of a prank, but the result is tragic.

Director: Tanel Toom

Studio: NFTS

Genre: Drama, Thriller

Video: 720p

▶ Watch

Cast

Lewis Howlett

Lewis Howlett

as Sam

Joe Eales

Joe Eales

as Jacob

James Simmons

James Simmons

as Priest

Emma Atkins

Emma Atkins

as Teacher

Peter John Mossford

Peter John Mossford

as Farmer Collins

Aran Bell

Aran Bell

as Sam's Father

Reviews

By CinemaSerf

With their first confession looming large, two young lads - "Sam" (Lewis Howlett) and his best pal "Jacob" (Joe Eales) are quite apprehensive. They've no real need to be - it's not like they are axe-murderers or anything, but maybe that's the problem. They have done nothing, not even the slightest naughty thing. Moreover, they don't want to war a frock either... A rehearsal - yep, let's use a bag of crisps as the communion wafer then what might they actually say when it comes down to it? Methinks a prank is in order - otherwise the priest will be bored! Into the farmer's field they go to make some mischief with the scarecrow and his plodding tractor - but yikes, does it all go tragically wrong. As the ramifications of their actions and behaviour dawn on them more, they must make some very tough choices - but will they do what is right? The second part of this drama is much darker, more tautly directed and more potent and it also showcases a pretty strong performance from the young Howlett as his character's conscience becomes increasingly troubled. Maybe just a little on the long side, but it's still quite a compelling short feature to watch, inviting us to take a view on the entire concept of priestly absolution...