The Forgiven * * * *

This film has been out for about a month now, but due to the fact I was overseas for most of July I haven't had a chance to see it until today - forgive me (pun intended).

Apparently this was adapted from a novel of the same title.  It's directed by Irishman John Michael McDonagh who gave us the excellent Calvary and The Guard.  It's good to  see him back on track after the disastrous War on Everyone.

It is quite a brave roll for Ralph Fiennes, as he has to play a contemptible character.  Yet, come to think of it, just about everyone in this film is somewhat depraved, but Fiennes character especially so.  

Accident Prone Party Poopers David and Jo.

The situation is Morocco.  David (Fiennes) and his domestic-battle-weary wife Jo, (Jessica Chastain) have been invited to a weekend party. The hosts and all the guests are quite the worst examples of white privilege and condescending racism along with greed, selfishness and many other sins.   (Though, when it comes to the sin of covetousness, mea culpa, for the hosts do have a home that I would kill for, I must admit.)

Talking of killing that is exactly what David does as they are driving to the party. On a deserted road he accidentally hits and kills a young teenage boy.  What to do with the body? They put him in the back of the vehicle, bringing him along to the party as an unwelcome guest.

Whether David and Jo are in denial about the facts - or whether they really do believe they are victims themselves - because someone jumped in front of their car - is uncertain at first, but one thing is certain: They've spoilt a fun weekend by turning up to a party with a stiff in their car. 

Drinking more kind of helps, but not much.  His genial host (Matt Smith) does all that he can to help by "dealing" with the Moroccan police, who agree to inform the boys parents and report it as an accident.

The next day, the father of the boy comes to collect the body of his son -  his only son and child. It is conveyed to David that he is expected to go with the father and his armed companions and return to their village for the burial of the boy.  To help bury whom you have killed is the respectful and honorable thing to do.  The host is concerned about upsetting the locals if David doesn't comply, so David reluctantly agrees and goes with the father. Will this journey bring some kind of closure? And if it does, will it come in the form of absolution or vengeance?  

In the meantime, back at the party house, the indulgences and decadence escalates. Their indifference to David's dilemma is no less than their indifference to the killed boy. 

Reminding me of  grand films from the fifties this is a panoramic sweeping drama, beautifully photographed and acted, and for the most part convincingly told. Despite the fact that I see lots of films, watching this felt like an event. Like I'd been to the movies.