Calvary
Performance & Direction: Calvary Review
Last updated: February 17, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Calvary (2014) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.1/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Calvary features a noteworthy lineup led by Brendan Gleeson . Supported by the likes of Chris O'Dowd and Kelly Reilly , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Calvary
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2014, Calvary is a Drama film directed by John Michael McDonagh. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Brendan Gleeson.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. After being threatened during a confession, a good-natured priest must battle the dark forces closing in around him. The screenplay takes time to develop Brendan Gleeson's journey, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Brendan Gleeson's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.
Ending Explained: Calvary
Ending Breakdown: Directed by John Michael McDonagh, Calvary resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Brendan Gleeson, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Calvary reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Calvary?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Brendan Gleeson or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: Calvary
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $3.6M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Top Cast: Calvary
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Calvary Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeCalvary Parents Guide & Age Rating
2014 AdvisoryWondering about Calvary age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Calvary is 101 minutes (1h 41m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.1/10, and global performance metrics, Calvary is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2014 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Calvary worth watching?
Calvary is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7.1/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Calvary parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Calvary identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Calvary?
The total duration of Calvary is 101 minutes, which is approximately 1h 41m long.
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Critic Reviews for Calvary
The cast is great. Quite an ensemble with Gleeson delivering yet another fantastic performance. The photography and landscapes are beautiful ... but that's about it. The movie is quite a mess with no clear story line other than showing a collection of dysfunctional characters. The ending is quite a bluff. It starts strong to dissolve slowly like sugar in coffee.
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
