Pilgrimage was released in the UK July 3, 2017, available in select theaters, as well as DVD/Blu-Ray and digital HD. For us US viewers, we had to wait until August 11th to get our turn to view the Irish film. Admittedly, I streamed this movie online, because I absolutely did not want to wait. Fret not, I did end up purchasing the film when it had become available in the Google Play store in August.
There may be people that would be a little hesitant to see this film. Its context and plot rely heavily on Catholicism and religion. I would say for those skeptical if they’d even enjoy this picture, to watch it. The Christian theme is simply a catalyst for a strong drama/action movie that takes you on a tense journey.
Each of the actors in Pilgrimage portrays an expert self-awareness that it’s not only their words they need to invest their emotions in. This is especially true for Jon Bernthal’s character, simply named The Mute. Much of the film is focused around this mysterious character. Who is he? Where did he come from? And why did he choose to take a vow of silence?
I want to focus on how fantastic Bernthal was, but I also don’t want to come off as gushing. Simply put, as a man who has always thrust so much of his emotion in his acting; it was incredibly impressive to see him achieving the same level without speaking. From what I understand, Bernthal, in fact, went two weeks without speaking to prepare for this role.
Tom Holland is purely a cinnamon roll in this film. Already adored for his role as the new Spiderman, Holland plays Brother Diarmuid aka The Novice. The young monk has only known the monastery he and his brethren live in, so this trek is an eye opener to how extreme some of these men are willing to go for their faith.
Richard Armitage as Sir Raymond and Stanley Weber also deserve honorable mentions. Both are present in the film and both add their own bit of importance to the story. Right when you think one is worse than the other, the viewer is shown why that kind of assumption is wrong.
For the first half of the film, Pilgrimage is more of a trek than anything else. It’s not until the second half that the action really begins. That’s not to say the first half is boring. It’s pivotable to the story and interesting in its own way. Please do yourself a favor and however you do it, watch this film!
Original article posted on TC Stark’s Reviews.
A girl with too many fandoms to count.
