Pimps. Prostitutes. Priests. One of these does not seem to belong with the others. Yet, all three share the screen in “Into Temptation,” an impressive, intensely thought-provoking new film. Directed by Patrick Coyle, this independent film tells the realistic, yet dramatized, story of a priest’s dangerous and emotional journey through the streets of Minneapolis to save the life of a stranger. It’s not the type of film you see every day, but I recommend seeing it while it is still running at
Dundee Theatre until Oct. 15.
“Into temptation” begins in the confessional when Linda, a prostitute (Kristen Chenoweth, Glinda in Broadway’s “Wicked”) says to priest, John Buerlein (“Law and Order” star Jeremy Sisto), ,”I’d like to confess a sin I haven’t committed yet. Can I do that?”
“Well that’s never come up,” says Father John.
“What’s the sin?”
“I’m going to kill myself. On my birthday. And I’m Aries, Father, so I don’t have a lot of time,” Linda responds.
Linda leaves before Father John can do anything to help her. Knowing only the appearance of the cross necklace around her neck, he sets out to save the young woman from suicide, knowing that he is entering dangerous territory. Along the way, Father John gets mugged, spends more money than he has and encounters pimps, prostitutes and an old girlfriend. He also struggles with what it means to respect the seal of confessional, a priest’s promise of absolute secrecy regarding anything said in the confessional.
I liked the film because it is different. It explores friendship and love in a way that’s unlike a typical Hollywood drama. Instead of dealing with made up, blown out of proportion, fake issues, “Into Temptation” is centered around a woman who is almost too realistically depressed, alone and hopeless. Father John is a very compassionate, internally conflicted, yet extremely human priest.
For an indie film, the acting is superb. The story line is compelling and moving. If you’re from Minnesota like me, you’ll enjoy seeing your home state on screen. So, go check it out at the Dundee Theatre, 49th & Dodge. Otherwise, rent it on DVD when it comes out Oct. 27. It’s a beautiful film and well worth your time.