The Confession was originally a web series of 7-8 minute episodes. For the most part, they edit together seamlessly; but where they don’t, the awkward change serves as a reminder that this is a serial re-edited for Netflix. In spite of the intrusive moments, the story is so compelling that such momentary stutters are quickly forgotten.
Kiefer Sutherland, who also served as executive producer, channels a little bit of that ol’ Jack Bauer into his character. As listed in the credits, the Confessor is an unrepentant professional hit man without a name, who insists that the reluctant priest hear his confession or he will kill someone that night.
On the other side of the confessional is the weary and weathered John Hurt, a somber yet soiled soul himself. His creased face and priestly manners lend wisdom to his character that runs deeper than the devotion to the cloth. He maintains his cool through the beginning, fielding repeated threats from the agitated Confessor.
The series of almost philosophical discussions about life and death, murder, heaven and hell, and who deserves to be killed, all give tasty clues about the characters – not just their morality, but their reasons. It wasn’t chance that the Confessor chose this church and this priest. Carefully, the writers peel back each layer of the characters like an onion, until the revelations expose both characters to their raw core, building to a truly explosive ending.
As a side note, this film does an amazing job of keeping both the dialogue and scenery interesting. After all, most of the film takes place in a small wooden box. The “philosophical” conversations never get boring, as one would expect; the caliber of acting and camerawork on this project keep each moment interesting and relevant.
At just over an hour, it’s an easy show to watch. The violence, shown in flashbacks, is mostly implied. But the vexing question the Confessor asks about the worth of a person and whether murder can be the right thing just highlights the on-screen chess game between the professional killer and the priest with a hidden past.
Both performances deserve recognition as well. True, the Confessor isn’t too far removed from 24’s Jack Bauer, just with a looser set of morals, so even though the mold is tweaked, it still feels like a familiar coat. But Hurt’s turn as the troubled priest under duress that makes it nearly impossible to walk away once the film starts.
Spending an hour in this confessional is time well spent. It may not cleanse your sins, but it will stay with you long after it fades to black.
Rating: 8 of 10 Mach 3 razors
Pain Level: 3
Medication: 600 mg gabapentin, 10 mg oxycodone
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