Title: Films about Catholic Church Sex Abuse
General Description:
Films about Catholic Church sex abuse explore the disturbing reality of sexual misconduct within the institution. These films shed light on the victims' experiences, the cover-ups, and the lasting impact of these crimes. They often delve into the complex power dynamics, the struggle for justice, and the role of faith in the face of such heinous acts.
List of Films:
“Spotlight”, 2015
Director: Tom McCarthy
This Oscar-winning film follows The Boston Globe's investigative team, known as Spotlight, as they uncover the widespread child molestation and cover-up within the Catholic Church. It explores the journalists' relentless pursuit of truth, the resistance they face, and the impact their revelations have on a global scale.
Starring: Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Liev Schreiber, John Slattery, Stanley Tucci, Brian d'Arcy James, Elena Wohl, Gene Amoroso, Doug Murray, Sharon McFarlane, Jamey Sheridan, Neal Huff, Billy Crudup, Robert B. Kennedy, Duane Murray, Brian Chamberlain, Michael Cyril Creighton, Paul Guilfoyle, Michael Countryman, Tim Whalen, Martin Roach, Brad Borbridge, Don Allison, Patty Ross, Paloma Nuñez, Robert Clarke, Gary Galone, David Fraser, Paulette Sinclair, Laurie Heineman, Elena Juatco, Nancy Villone, Wendy Merry, Siobhan Murphy, Eileen Padua, Darrin Baker, Brett Cramp, Joe Stapleton, Maureen Keiller, Jimmy LeBlanc, Tim Progosh, Neion George, Laurie Murdoch, Zarrin Darnell-Martin, Krista Morin, Paula Barrett, Mairtin O'Carrigan, Rob deLeeuw, Nancy E. Carroll;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: drama, crime, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 129 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,1;
“Philomena”, 2013
Director: Stephen Frears
Based on a true story, “Philomena” tells the heart-wrenching journey of a woman searching for her son, who was forcibly taken from her by the Catholic Church. The film explores the emotional struggles of the main character, played by Judi Dench, as she confronts the painful secrets and systemic abuses within the Church.
Starring: Judi Dench, Steve Coogan, Sophie Kennedy Clark, Mare Winningham, Barbara Jefford, Ruth McCabe, Peter Hermann, Sean Mahon, Anna Maxwell Martin, Michelle Fairley, Wunmi Mosaku, Amy McAllister, Charlie Murphy, Cathy Belton, Kate Fleetwood, Charissa Shearer, Nika McGuigan, Rachel Wilcock, Rita Hamill, Tadhg Bowen, Saoirse Bowen, Harrison D'Ampney, D.J. McGrath, Simone Lahbib, Sara Stewart, Gary Lilburn, Charles Edwards, Nicholas Jones, Paris Arrowsmith, Marie Jones, Frankie McCafferty, Vaughn Johseph, George Fisher, Jordan King, Amber Batty, Martin Glyn Murray, Elliot Levey, Florence Keith-Roach, George Michael Rados, Fiaz Ali, Victoria Jane Appleton, Mai Arwas, Xavier Atkins, Eddie Bagayawa, Francesca Bennett, Charlie Berkeley, Hannah Blamires, Jill Buchanan, Paul Castleman, Grant Cee;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 98 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;
“The Keepers”, 2017
Director: Ryan White
This gripping documentary series uncovers the unsolved murder of Sister Catherine Cesnik, a Catholic nun, and delves into the rampant sexual abuse committed by a priest in Baltimore during the 1960s and 1970s. Through interviews with survivors, investigators, and journalists, “The Keepers” exposes the corruption and attempts to bring justice to those affected.
Starring: Gemma Hoskins, Abbie Schaub, Virginia Anzengruber, Jean Hargadon Wehner, Tom Nugent, Teresa Lancaster, Bob Erlandson, Gerry Koob, Lil Hughes Knipp, Marilyn Cesnik, Chris Centofanti, Beverly Wallace, Patricia Gilner, Donna Vondenbosch, Deb Silcox, Margaret, Don Hargadon, Ed Hargadon, Ethel Hargadon, Sarah Wehner, Mike Hargadon, Bob Hargadon, Edgar Davidson, Gary Childs, Kathy Hobeck, Diane Koob, John Barnold, Barbara Schmidt, Alan Horn, L.M. Lothstein, Don Malecki, Darryl Malecki, Mary Spence, Sharon A.H. May, Pat Malecki, Cecelia Wambach, Brian Schwaab, James Scannell, Kelly Pendygraft, Ginger Horne, Deep Throat, Charles Franz, Debbie Yohn, Juliana Farrell, Greg Wehner, Lee Richmond, Bill Yohn, Sharon Schmidt, Helen Hargadon, Randy Lancaster;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: documentary, crime, detective;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
“Deliver Us from Evil”, 2014
Director: Scott Derrickson
This documentary examines the case of Father Oliver O'Grady, a Catholic priest who sexually abused numerous children while working in California. The film features interviews with O'Grady himself, as well as his victims and their families, providing a harrowing account of the abuse and the Church's failure to protect its congregation.
Starring: Eric Bana, Edgar Ramírez, Olivia Munn, Chris Coy, Dorian Missick, Sean Harris, Joel McHale, Mike Houston, Lulu Wilson, Olivia Horton, Scott Johnsen, Daniel Sauli, Antoinette LaVecchia, Aidan Gemme, Jenna Gavigan, Skylar Toddings, Sebastian Lacause, Steve Hamm, Sean Nelson, Mari-Ange Ramirez, Ben Horner, Tijuana Ricks, John Cariani, Robert Keiley, Blair Sams, Mark David Watson, Ben Livingston, Kevin Nagle, Oliver Wadsworth, Lolita Foster, Carmen Ortiz-Girdauskas, Victor Pagan, Carol Stanzione, Adam Kobylarz, Lauro David Chartrand-Del Valle, John Auer, Joseph Basile, Sean Bennett, Lyndsey Bloise, José Báez, Ivan Cardona, John Cenatiempo, Mikhael DeVille, Dennis Funny, Joseph Anthony Jerez, Umar Khan, Amra Mallassi, Raiden Integra, Valentina Rendón;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: detective, horror, crime, thriller;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 118 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,2;
“The Boys of St. Vincent”, 1992
Director: John N. Smith
This Canadian television miniseries explores the sexual and physical abuse that occurred at a Catholic orphanage. It follows the lives of two brothers who endured the abuse and the long-lasting effects it had on their lives. The film sheds light on the institutional cover-up and the struggle for justice and healing.
Starring: Henry Czerny, Johnny Morina, Brian Dooley, Philip Dinn, Brian Dodd, Ashley Billard, Jeremy Keefe, Jonathan Lewis, Michael Wade, Greg Thomey, Alain Goulem, Ed Martin, Maurice Podbrey, Aidan Devine, Gordon Day, Kelly Ricard, David Francis, Ralph Allison, Terry Haig, Tony Robinow, Sean Tataryn, Gabriel Allard-Gagnon, Davis Gramm, Christopher Millar, Daniel Pilon, Andreas Traczyk, Dennis Van Horn, Ettore Zuccheroso, Tyrone Benskin, Glenn Downey, Domenico Fiore, Daniel Hémond, Paulina Abarca-Cantin, Susan Mackasey, Nellie Ludlow, Jane Wheeler, Peter Cureton, Peter Jutras, Richard Jutra, Luc Hamel, John Matthews, Serge Martineau, Sean Moreman;
Production year: 1992;
Genre: drama, biography;
Duration: 90 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “The Boys of St. Vincent” on the website imdb.com
Note: It is important to approach these films with sensitivity and understanding, as they depict real-life events and the pain experienced by survivors.
In the realm of cinema, films that tackle the sensitive subject of Catholic Church sex abuse have emerged as powerful and thought-provoking narratives. These films shed light on the harrowing experiences of survivors, exposing the dark underbelly of an institution that was meant to provide solace and guidance. Through their compelling storytelling and raw performances, these movies challenge us to confront the painful reality of abuse within the Catholic Church, forcing us to question the morality, accountability, and the need for reform. By delving into these stories, these films not only serve as a form of catharsis for survivors but also act as a catalyst for societal awareness and change. The selection of films exploring this topic serves as a testament to the power of cinema in confronting uncomfortable truths and sparking conversations that demand justice and healing.
