Surviving Confession

Surviving Confession is a 2019 indie comedy-drama directed by Matthew Tibbenham that explores the life of a young man named Father Morris who finds himself in a unique and challenging position. Born into a family of priests, Morris' desire to follow in their footsteps becomes reality as he is ordained into the priesthood. However, Morris struggles with his faith and commitment to celibacy, leading him down a path of temptation and deceit.

The movie revolves around Father Morris' decision to take confession from a very unconventional and seemingly dangerous guy named Jack, played by Clayton Nemrow. Through their conversations, we get a glimpse into Morris' struggles with his own moral values and the pressures to conform to the expectations placed upon him by his family, his religion, and society as a whole. Over the course of the confession, both characters reveal their deepest secrets and desires with increasingly unpredictable consequences.

Jessica Lynn Parsons plays Sarah, Morris' confidante and love interest, who keeps pulling him back towards the right path. Despite her best efforts, Morris continues to spiral out of control, leading to a series of comedic and poignant encounters that explore the dichotomy between desire and faith.

Sarah Schreiber brings her own unique touch to the movie as Ruth, a parishioner who suspects Father Morris of inappropriate behavior. Her character highlights the extreme scrutiny that religious leaders are subjected to, especially when it comes to their relationships with the opposite sex.

The movie's main strength lies in its exploration of complex themes such as faith, temptation, and morality. It does an excellent job of humanizing Father Morris and exposing the absurdity of religious conventions without demeaning or mocking them. At the same time, the movie also tackles issues such as sexual abuse and the hypocrisy of religious leaders, albeit in a more subdued manner.

The cinematography and sound design of Surviving Confession are equally impressive, as the movie effectively utilizes music and lighting to create a mood that complements the story. The movie also features a cast that delivers standout performances, making the characters come alive on the screen.

Overall, Surviving Confession is a smart and thought-provoking movie that offers a fresh and nuanced take on the familiar themes of religion and morality. While it may not be everyone's cup of tea, the movie is highly recommended for anyone who enjoys indie movies with a strong message and memorable characters. It is a film that will make you laugh, cry, and contemplate the human condition.