The Penitential Act (2025)

A masochistic ex-convict forms an unlikely connection with a Catholic priest in Lancashire, 1986.

The Penitential Act (2025) poster

John, released from prison into the unforgiving North-West of 1986, finds himself abandoned by his family and homeless. When John returns to his childhood church, he comes across Father Upton preaching fire and brimstone from the pulpit, and becomes enthralled by the display of sadism. Believing himself worthy of the divine punishment that Upton offers, John pursues the priest and attempts to provoke him, through a most heinous act.

Director: Ben Lyons
Runtime: 23 min
Release Date:

Cast

Screenplay

Cinematography: Yanxiang Qiu
Editing: Alexander Emborg
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English
Original Language: en

Trailer

The Penitential Act Trailer
More Films by Director: Ben Lyons

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Penitential Act about?
John, released from prison into the unforgiving North-West of 1986, finds himself abandoned by his family and homeless. When John returns to his childhood church, he comes across Father Upton preaching fire and brimstone from the pulpit, and becomes enthralled by the display of sadism. Believing himself worthy of the divine punishment that Upton offers, John pursues the priest and attempts to provoke him, through a most heinous act.
Who directed The Penitential Act?
The Penitential Act was directed by Ben Lyons.
Who stars in The Penitential Act?
The Penitential Act stars Dominic Holmes, Alan Turkington.
How long is The Penitential Act?
The Penitential Act has a runtime of 23m (23 minutes).
Where was The Penitential Act produced?
The Penitential Act was produced in United Kingdom.