Priest of Evil

Synopsis

Priest of Evil, also known as 'Harjunpää & pahan pappi', is a gripping Finnish thriller released in 2010, directed by Lauri Törhönen. The film follows the intense investigation led by detective Jussi Harjunpää, played by Peter Franzén, as he tracks down a cunning and ruthless priest turned serial killer. The narrative dives deep into the complexities of faith, morality, and the psychological scars left by both crime and punishment. As Harjunpää delves deeper into the case, he confronts his own beliefs and the dark corners of human nature. The film captivates audiences with its nuanced performances, particularly Franzén's portrayal of a conflicted detective grappling with the horrors he uncovers. With a backdrop of chilling scenery and a haunting score, Priest of Evil keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, exploring themes of redemption and the haunting legacy of violence. This finely crafted story sets forth a tense atmosphere and leaves lingering questions about the nature of good and evil.

Cast

• 

  Peter Franzén

  Timo Harjunpää

• 

  Irina Björklund

  Elisa Harjunpää

• 

  Sampo Sarkola

  Johannes Heino

• 

  Jenni Banerjee

  Onerva Nykänen

• 

  Rosa Salomaa

  Paulina Harjunpää

• Niilo Syväoja

  Matti

Reviews

Critically, Priest of Evil has received mixed reviews, with an IMDb rating of 5.8/10. The film is praised for its strong lead performance by Peter Franzén, who is noted for bringing depth to the character of Jussi Harjunpää. According to a review from 'The Finnish Film Review', "Franzén's portrayal of a man torn between duty and morals is both powerful and unsettling." However, some critics felt that the film's pacing hindered its potential. 'Rotten Tomatoes' highlights that while the movie is visually engaging, the storytelling occasionally falters: "While the cinematography is striking, the narrative lacks the intensity expected from such a dark premise." Despite its flaws, other reviews, such as from 'Metacritic', mention that it successfully evokes a chilling atmosphere, saying, "The film effectively captures the tension between faith and crime, leaving viewers with thought-provoking questions about morality." Overall, 'Priest of Evil' serves as a compelling exploration of darkness, though it doesn't fully satisfy all viewers with its execution.