Film review: In the Name Of (15)

Malgoska Szumowska, 102mins, Starring: Andrzej Chyra

Here's a rarity: an even-handed and compassionate drama about sexuality in the Catholic Church. Andrzej Chyra plays Adam, a charismatic but troubled priest who takes over a small parish in rural Poland.

He's popular with his congregation, and develops a rapport with the semi-delinquent youths at the community centre attached to the church.

When an enigmatic loner (Mateusz Kosciukiewicz) joins the parish it becomes apparent that Adam's pastoral instincts are more complicated than we realise. Silences and ellipses play a significant function in the story.

The drama's brooding intent isn't quite answered by its payoff, but you won't forget Chyra's remarkable face, his eyes seemingly lit from within by the tortured melancholy of a medieval saint.