You are here:

Clergy

Name: Clergy
Director: Wojtek Smarzowski
Released: 2018
Duration: 133 min

Representation Score

7.8/10

Good

2018

TV-14

Director

Wojtek Smarzowski

Runtime

133 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Clergy is a bold critique of institutional power that focuses on systemic issues rather than demographic diversity. While the cast is largely homogeneous, the film excels in its intense examination of traditional religious and social structures. It delves into the tension between personal identity and public doctrine. By replacing idealized religious imagery with a realistic portrayal of corruption and moral ambiguity, the film provides a gritty psychological study. However, its narrow focus on the Polish ecclesiastical context limits its exploration of racial and ethnic diversity. It serves more as a specific cultural analysis than a broad social commentary.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Clergy have LGBTQ+ representation?

Good

The film examines the conflict between traditional religious expectations and hidden desires. It highlights the psychological strain caused by keeping secrets within a strict religious environment.

How does Clergy portray gender?

Fair

The story centers on male clergy members and how institutional structures affect gender roles. Women are often sidelined or face the consequences of these institutions' decisions.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Clergy?

Limited

Set in contemporary Poland, the film features a predominantly homogeneous cast. It focuses on internal class and political hierarchies rather than racial or ethnic diversity.

How does Clergy represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film critically examines the Catholic Church, depicting it as an institution driven by corruption and political maneuvering. It questions absolute religious morality through the lens of human fallibility.

Does Clergy include disability representation?

Fair

The story emphasizes psychological and spiritual struggles over physical or neurodivergent disabilities. Mental instability is portrayed as a result of institutional pressure rather than specific disability issues.

Present on Screen

Offers a deep critique of traditional Western religious institutions and their power structures.
Highlights the psychological tension between hidden identities and rigid social doctrines.
Employs multi-perspective storytelling to reveal systemic corruption and moral ambiguity.

Limited or Absent

Lacks racial and ethnic diversity due to its specific geographic and institutional setting.
Maintains a male-centric focus that sidelines women in the narrative.
Does not offer specific representation for physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

The fate of three Catholic priests were linked together through tragic events a few years back. Every year, on the anniversary of the catastrophe, they gather to celebrate their survival of the tragedy. Lisowski works at a curia in a big city, building his career while dreaming of the Vatican. Standing in his way, Mordowicz, the archbishop, a luxurious church dignitary who is making use of his political connections to build the largest sanctuary in Poland. Trybus, is a parish priest and often submits to human weaknesses. Kukuła also is not doing well. Despite his passion for faith, he is losing the trust of his flock. Soon, through new tragic events, the paths of the three priests will cross again.

How are these scores produced? →