Priest
Performance & Direction: Priest Review
Last updated: February 17, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Priest (2011) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.9/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Action.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and Priest features a noteworthy lineup led by Paul Bettany . Supported by the likes of Karl Urban and Lily Collins , 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: Priest
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2011, Priest is a Action, Fantasy, Horror film directed by Scott Stewart. The narrative delivers highly intense sequences and pulse-pounding confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Paul Bettany.
Story Breakdown
In this high-octane feature, Scott Stewart establishes a narrative structure that follows a classic action blueprint: establishing the protagonist's world, introducing a formidable antagonist, and escalating the stakes. In an alternate world, humanity and vampires have warred for centuries. After the last Vampire War, the veteran Warrior Priest lives in obscurity with other humans inside one of the Church's walled cities. When the Priest's niece is kidnapped by vampires, the Priest breaks his vows to hunt them down. He is accompanied by the niece's boyfriend, who is a wasteland sheriff, and a former Warrior Priestess. The film balances spectacular set pieces with character moments for Paul Bettany, ensuring the action serves the story rather than overwhelming it.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The title opens with an explosive sequence that immediately establishes the stakes and introduces our protagonist in action.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The final confrontation delivers on the buildup, with stakes at their highest and the protagonist using everything they've learned.
Ending Explained: Priest
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Scott Stewart, Priest attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to action resolution.
The climactic sequence delivers on the escalating tension involving Paul Bettany, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the action themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Priest reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Priest?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Action films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: Priest
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $60.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $84.2M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Priest Budget
The estimated production budget for Priest is $60.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Priest
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Priest Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV Store🏷️ Buy on
Apple TV StorePriest Parents Guide & Age Rating
2011 AdvisoryWondering about Priest age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Priest is 87 minutes (1h 27m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.9/10, and global performance metrics, Priest is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2011 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Priest worth watching?
Priest is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies. It has a verified rating of 5.9/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Priest parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Priest identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Priest?
The total duration of Priest is 87 minutes, which is approximately 1h 27m long.
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Critic Reviews for Priest
A film just in my style. It’s a future/alternate reality kind of apocalyptic action/horror movie. Fairly simple and straightforward plot where the good guys stays pretty much stays as the good guys throughout the move and the hero is really someone that kicks ass throughout the movie. No bloody fussing around with making the hero “human” or some crap like that. The special effects and the apocalyptic sceneries where well done. In general the film was a solid piece of work. The transfer to Blu-ray equally well done. Picture quality was as to be expected and the DTS Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack well balanced with just enough surround effects and LFE to make it very enjoyable. The film get a 5.7 rating at IMDB which in my mind is a bit on the low side but then, it’s not really a film for everyone. The so called “critics” at Rotten Tomatoes gave it 17% which is just pure bullshit but then I have given up on those idiots a long time ago. Most of those “critics” must come from the American bible belt or something 😦
Whatever did happen to Cam Gigandet? Perhaps a career in carpentry? Let’s face it, he was pretty wooden himself and he wasn’t the only one in this lively but predictable fantasy adventure. It’s really all about a highly-trained and lethal priest (Paul Bettany) who is convinced that the status quo between mankind and vampire that has existed for generations is about to be ruptured. He takes his concerns to his boss - the “Monsignor” (Christopher Plummer) who presides over the all-powerful church that protects humanity - but he doesn’t believe him and reminds him of his vow of obedience. Well we wouldn’t have had a film if he’d stuck to them, so off he heads into the desert in search of a kidnapped young girl. That’s where he encounters the enthusiastic but naïve young sheriff (Gigandet) who happens to be her boyfriend and an equally agile priest (Maggie Q). It doesn’t take them (or us) long to discover that they are chasing a special kind of creature who can make short work and an easy dinner from any of the people he meets. What’s their antagonist’s agenda though, and can this trio thwart him and rescue the girl before he carries out his dastardly plan? To be fair, there is loads of action here and though hardly stretched, Bettany is adequate in the title role keeping things moving along. The rest of the acting and the dialogue is all pretty mundane and we get an early indication of just how unremarkable an actor Karl Urban is too. I didn’t hate it, but it’s all a processional exercise that makes you appreciate Kate Beckinsale more.
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.
