Sinner

Rating NR Formats DVD Genre drama Starring Nick Chinlund, Georgina Cates, Michael E. Rodgers, Brad Dourif, Tom Wright Directed by Marc Benardout Publisher Sinner Film Production External Links

Films are rarely made anymore; it’s long been the movies - pictures that merely entertain without making viewers think or feel anything outside fear or excitement to hold their attention.

Once in a while however, a film is made and it is poignant, subtle and demands the audience’s attention as much as any car explosion in a Michael Mann movie. This film is Sinner, an independent piece by Marc Benardout that tells the story of a priest that struggles with his faith and a prostitute that has none.

Most of the story takes place in a catholic church where Father Romano, played with precision by Nick Chinlund and Father Stephan (Michael E. Rodgers) reside. The church is almost empty during mass and it is revealed that they are near bankrupt when Lil (Georgina Cates) bounds in under the guise of being homesick and feeling at home at the church. Hardly any time passes before she tempts the young priest, resulting in a beating. The young priest wants her out but Father Anthony Romano sees something in the troubled woman and thus begins the story of two troubled people finding solitude in one another and gaining faith once again.

Sinner has twists in the story that reveal more about each character that keeps the plot interesting. The acting sometimes goes over the top but is reeled back  when it really counts and the added nuances elevate the exchanges. Lighting is a bit of a problem at time, but somehow adds to the dark characters and gives another layer to the story. Audiences watching this independent film will be watching for the story and the heart, however and be more than satisfied.