Consecration (2023) spoiler free review

A near death can dig up the past that you want to forget. Consecration is a supernatural horror-thriller film directed by Cristopher Smith and co-written with Laurie Cook. The film was theatrically released in the United Kingdom and in the United States by IFC Films on February 10, 2023. The streaming service Shudder acquired the distribution rights releasing it in their platform on May 19, 2023.

After the suspicious death of her brother, a priest, Grace travels to the Mount Saviour Convent in Scotland to find out what really happened. Once there, she uncovers murder, sacrilege and a disturbing truth about her own past.

Film synopsis

The cast includes Jena Malone as Grace, Danny Huston as Father Romero, Ian Pirie as Vincent, Janet Suzman as Mother Superior, Thoren Ferguson as DCI Officer Harris, Steffan Cennydd as Michael, Eilidh Fisher as Meg, Victoria Donovan as Mother, Jolade Obasola as Sister Matilda, Alexandra Lewis as Sister Beth, Angela White as a nun, Emma Hixson as a nun, and Rachael Joanne Brown as a nun.

My opinion

Opening with a voiceover of Jena Malone’s character Grace Consecration tries to explore the consequences of childhood trauma and a spiritual crisis. After her brother’s suicide Grace is forced to confront not only her troubled past but the dark force that took her brother away. With a running time of 90 minutes the film never gets to a clear point becoming another messy religious horror story. Everything is left at a surface level leaving the viewer as confused as if you were asked to explain the movie without having seen it first.

The poorly written script brings a confusing timeline and narrative taking away any chance of the cast of giving a good performance. Malone’s character never gets to be clear with her emotions and motivations. Is she grieving her brother and wants to know the truth? She’s looking for a spiritual awakening? Both? We will never really know. The remaining characters doesn’t add to the story only the nuns being creepy from time to time. On the bright side, this film has a good cinematography and locations that can become the only reason why you finished the film waiting for an improvement from the story.

At the end, Consecration turned out to be what is expected from this films; another generic horror movie with religious subjects. Consecration is now available on Shudder.