Corpus Christi (Jan Komasa, 2019): Poland

Reviewed by Justin Tuttle.  Viewed at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival 2020.

It is no surprise this is a current nomination for a 2020 Academy Award for Best Foreign Film.  In a moving, thought provoking story, the film follows Daniel and his journey from a juvenile detention facility to his impersonation as a priest in a small town parish.  He was unable to become a priest due to his serious criminal record but in many respects comes to be both revered and loathed by the parishioners after the parish priest has to temporarily step down.

Corpus Christi (originally titled Boze Cialo) was directed by Jan Komasa (Warsaw 44′) and written by Mateusz Pacewicz (Suicide Room: The Hater).  Bartosz Bielenia played the lead role of Daniel.  Other leads include actresses Alekandra Koniceczna (playing Lidia) and Eliza Rycembel (Eliza).

The story starts out with Daniel incarcerated and working in the detention facilities wood shop.  It is a violent facility in which inmates are raped, beaten, and otherwise abused with staff essentially turning a blind eye.  In addition to being staffed by guards, there are Catholic clergy including Priest Tomasz to which Daniel is drawn to.  He is granted early parole on a homicide, and as he is being released he asked Priest Tomasz if he could go to the catholic seminary but was told they would not take him because of his criminal record.  He then sets off across Poland to a town with a sawmill that hires many former convicts.  However, when he arrives he goes to the local church, befriends the church’s secretary Lidia and her daughter Eliza (who he becomes very close with).  He shows them a priest’s collar and garment and convinces them he is a traveling priest (taking the name Tomasz).  They take him in, provide him a room and introduce him to the Parish priest.  Shortly thereafter, the parish priest discloses he has committed an unspecified “mortal sin” and would be taking a short leave of absence.  Daniel (now priest Tomasz) is tapped as his replacement.  While off to a shaky start and quickly learning what to say and do off the internet, he becomes a well regarded if albeit unconventional “priest”.   The town had been recently rocked to the core by the deaths of six passengers and a driver in another vehicle (Slawek) who was intoxicated and crashed into the six in a different car.  The town members have such animosity to Slawek they refuse to allow him to be buried in town and openly shun his widow.

The story follows the story line consistent with the old adage “oh the tangled web we weave when we first set out to deceive” with twists and turns that leave you sitting at the edge of your chair and experiencing a whole range of emotions.

The editing was well done and kept the moving in a good pace, especially in conveying the intensity of some of the more violent scenes.  The cinematography included beautiful scenes surrounding the town.  The writing is superb.  Even though technically fiction, the storyline makes for a very believable narrative.  Most notably, actor Bartosz Bielenia and actress Eliza Rycembel stood out for their exceptional and convincing acting.

It is a thought provoking film that leaves a lasting impression and impact in one’s mind.   I highly recommend it to anyone that enjoys suspense and drama.