Having grown up in the west of Ireland this movie works on two levels. There is a fantastic, very dark comedy here for the general audience with a tight snappy script, excellent pacing that contains twists and tension, a basic yet compelling who-done-it (really who-will-do-it) plot all backed up by fantastic performances from all the cast headed by the unparalleled Brendan Gleeson.
However for Irish people there is a totally different movie here, one that hits uncomfortable close to realism which may surprise the greater audience. All natives know the failing grasp the Catholic Church has on the west of Ireland and the effect that certain revelations of the last decade have had on it's followers which form the backbone of the movie. The death of the 'Celtic Tiger' and it's consequences on society are superbly captured by Dylan Moran and his crushing depression. The influence of western culture and media and the biased opinions and attitudes of certain section of the public while comically portrayed for the wider audience, may leave some Irish people moving uncomfortably in their seats. The genius of director John Michael McDonagh is to shoot all this with unflinching realism against beautiful shots of that world famous Irish countryside. It heightens the irony of the film, having this broken society, violence and corruption set starkly against such idyllic and peaceful landscapes. Much darker and a more complete film than John Michael McDonagh's hilarious debut 'The Guard' this is an enjoyable, confusing and surprisingly intimate portrayal of a small community that all can enjoy but a warning to my fellow Irish brethren, don't be too surprised if you don't laugh along as loudly as everyone else in the theater and leave with a certain feeling of unease after it is all over, for me, that is the true genius of this remarkable and highly recommended film.

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.

Calvary begins with a priest, Father James in a confessionary. Right on the other side of the confessionary is a parishioner threatening to kill him. Father James has not done anything wrong but the other man claims to be had been molested by other priest when he was a child. That priest is now death and in his eyes Father James will pay for a sin he did not commit. During the whole scene we just see Father James...

A very grim and intriguing drama with a touch of dark humour. You will start guessing who is the supposed mysterious killer throughout the story and you'll never be bored. All of the characters are very peculiar and I loved all of them. Strong performances from all of the cast specially by Brendan Gleeson who is wonderful! The dialogue is great and there are some memorable quotes. The score is great and the Irish landscapes are absolutely gorgeous to look at!

I think Calvary's biggest message is to show how there are good priests in Catholic Church and revenge does not console anything. It also brings up the side of many people who unfortunately were molested as children and their life was ruined because of all the pain and anger that they feel. But crime does not pay.

Some questions will float over your head after the film ends. Questions about society, faith, abuse, and about the good and the bad people of this world. I think that is a sign of a good film.