The atmospherics and acting in this movie were superb. But the plot and sequencing left a very incomplete film.
Father Erik's relationship with the Greens is a zig-zag of interactions and you really can't tell what each side wants or thinks of the other. While it is nice not to see the caricature of a gay priest, you do become curious about Father Erik. Is his participation with youth hockey with innocent intent? Is he disgusted with Mrs. Green's sexual advances because of his vows or his orientation or her age?
Other character's motivations are similarly bewildering. Why does Josh's sister want to take him with her late at night to what looks like a sexual rendezvous with her boyfriend? What does Josh want/expect from Father Erik when he breaks into his bedroom in the middle of the night? Josh's relationship with Paul is not explained in much detail but it's assumed to be sexual. If Josh left at age 11 was he coerced by Paul? He didn't seem to be. Was it a reaction to his parents or his own sexuality (hard to believe at age 11)? Flashbacks may have helped fill in the story to help us understand.
The tragic ending was hard to comprehend. Knowing that Josh's running away was voluntary why did Father Erik feel the need to intrude so clumsily? Why didn't he note the address and call the police later? How does Josh go from assisting Paul's assault to escaping with Erik? The town's reaction was unbelievably harsh. Did no one see attempting to rescue a 16 year-old from a pederast as a noble act?
This movie left me with more questions than answers, and not in a good way.
Father Erik's relationship with the Greens is a zig-zag of interactions and you really can't tell what each side wants or thinks of the other. While it is nice not to see the caricature of a gay priest, you do become curious about Father Erik. Is his participation with youth hockey with innocent intent? Is he disgusted with Mrs. Green's sexual advances because of his vows or his orientation or her age?
Other character's motivations are similarly bewildering. Why does Josh's sister want to take him with her late at night to what looks like a sexual rendezvous with her boyfriend? What does Josh want/expect from Father Erik when he breaks into his bedroom in the middle of the night? Josh's relationship with Paul is not explained in much detail but it's assumed to be sexual. If Josh left at age 11 was he coerced by Paul? He didn't seem to be. Was it a reaction to his parents or his own sexuality (hard to believe at age 11)? Flashbacks may have helped fill in the story to help us understand.
The tragic ending was hard to comprehend. Knowing that Josh's running away was voluntary why did Father Erik feel the need to intrude so clumsily? Why didn't he note the address and call the police later? How does Josh go from assisting Paul's assault to escaping with Erik? The town's reaction was unbelievably harsh. Did no one see attempting to rescue a 16 year-old from a pederast as a noble act?
This movie left me with more questions than answers, and not in a good way.