In the Name Of

Actor Andrzej Chyra is the best reason to see the Polish drama In the Name Of, an absorbing if also sometimes alienating film about a priest suppressing his gay identity and desire while running a church-sponsored camp for troubled teens. Chyra stars as Father Adam, a recent transfer to a rural Catholic parish with a reformatory for juvenile delinquent boys. Father Adam does well by the boys, treating them with respect and coaching them in soccer, while also leading Sunday services for local parishioners. Behind the scenes, however, Adam is an alcoholic wreck, isolated in his sexuality and unable to talk to anyone about it (his attempts to share his pain with his sister via Skype are rebuffed). Inevitably, overblown rumors begin to circulate, suggesting—inaccurately—that Father Adam is a pedophile. Co-written and directed by Matgośka Szumowska, In the Name Of boasts some remarkable moments, including a conversation between a suspicious teacher and a tight-lipped bishop (who has clearly had to deal with Adam's "problem" before). Less successful are some curious scenes featuring loud anthem rock on the soundtrack, as if the filmmaker doesn't trust that the viewer will know how to feel. A strong optional purchase. (T. Keogh)