Conspiracy of Silence (2003)

33% of critics liked it
(24 reviews)
49% of users liked it
(501 ratings)

U.K. filmmaker John Deery makes his writing and directing feature debut with the religious drama Conspiracy of Silence, dealing with the controversial topic of reforming the Catholic Church. At an Irish seminary school, student Daniel McLaughlin (Jonathan Forbes) is caught in a compromising position… More U.K. filmmaker John Deery makes his writing and directing feature debut with the religious drama Conspiracy of Silence, dealing with the controversial topic of reforming the Catholic Church. At an Irish seminary school, student Daniel McLaughlin (Jonathan Forbes) is caught in a compromising position with fellow male student Noel (Owen McDonnell). He is subsequently kicked out of school and considers marrying his ex-girlfriend Sinead (Catherine Walker). Meanwhile, reporter David Foley (Jason Barry) investigates the suicide of HIV-positive priest Father Sweeney (Patrick Casey). Foley learns that Sweeney was romantically involved with former priest Matthew Francis (John Lynch), but Monsignor Thomas (Fintan McKeown) resorts to unjust tactics in order to cover up the story. Brenda Fricker also appears as Daniel's mother. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 26 min.
Directed By: John Deery
Written By: John Deery
Genres: Art House & International, Drama

In Theaters: Dec 3, 2004 Wide
On DVD: Jul 19, 2005

Critic Reviews

Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel
A good cast (Brenda Fricker, Hugh Bonneville and assorted veterans of British and Irish film and TV) gives Deery's film weight and credibility.
Ruthe Stein, San Francisco Chronicle
The need to portray the powers-that-be at all levels -- from the Vatican to the local parish -- in the worst possible light intrudes upon the movie, making it feel like a personal vendetta.
Stephen Whitty, Newark Star-Ledger
Certainly a debate over the church's tradition of an unmarried clergy ... could be a good and worthy one. But a quick, clumsy melodrama -- complete with awkward, pop-scored sex scenes -- isn't the best venue.
V.A. Musetto, New York Post
While the subject of enforced priestly celibacy is important, here it is dealt with in a workman-like manner lacking vibrancy.
Jack Mathews, New York Daily News
Deery's points are well-taken, but they would have been a lot better made if he hadn't taken so many easy shots at the church by demonizing its local authorities.
Anita Gates, New York Times
John Deery's modest drama is one big, obvious argument against the vow of celibacy for Roman Catholic priests, but it has heart.
Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com
Catholic nay-sayers will probably have a field day with the movie, but most would be better served by any one of the numerous documentaries that cover the same topic.
Connie Ogle, Miami Herald
Isn't quite up to the task of intelligently advocating for change.
Laura Kelly, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
The kind of film that has its heart in the right place: exposing corruption. But it loses credibility by doing so in a melodramatic way.
Steve Schneider, Orlando Weekly
[A] fervent yet scattershot film.
Peter Canavese, Groucho Reviews
Conspiracy of Silence is well-meaning but has has no faith in its audience.
Eric Monder, Film Journal International
Though Conspiracy of Silence misses a chance at being a first-rate drama, it sheds much-needed light on an area that the mainstream press has mysteriously abandoned.
Kim Williamson, Boxoffice Magazine
An often-riveting film.
Maitland McDonagh, TV Guide's Movie Guide
The limp thriller plot Deery constructs to frame his theological inquiries is both artificial and not very interesting, a lethal combination.
Kent Turner, Film-Forward.com
For American audiences who have followed recent Church scandals, this less-than-penetrating exposé will be of mild interest.

Read all 15 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Cynthia S

Interesting insights into the cloistered life of priests. The movie examines the concept of celibacy in the Roman Catholic Church, showing the hypocritical, political, and detrimental effects it has on them. Good cast. Decently done.