Grace a Dieu (2018)

Directed by: François Ozon | 137 minutes | drama | Actors: Denis Ménochet, Melvil Poupaud, Swann Arlaud, Bernard Verley, François Marthouret, Martine Erhel, Hélène Vincent, Josiane Balasko, Frédéric Pierrot, François Chattot, Éric Caravaca, Aurélia Petit, Julie Duclos, Jeanne Rosa, Amélie Daure, Pierre Lotin Baya Rehaz. Fejria Deliba, Max Libert, Nicolas Bauwens

In the new film ‘Grâce à Dieu’ by François Ozon (‘Swimming Pool’, ‘8 Femmes’), the true abuse scandal surrounding French priest Bernard Preynat has been filmed. From the now adult victims, horrific stories come to light that have ended up in the cover-up by the church and high clergy.

Alexandre Guérin is now forty years old, he has five children, works at a bank and is very religious. Unfortunately, he is also a victim of the pedophile priest Bernard Preynat. The young father is stunned when he discovers that his abuser is still active in the church in 2014, together with choir boys and altar boys. He doesn’t turn his heart into a murder pit when he tells his family about the years of scouting camps in Ireland in the 1980s. Things also happened in the doca of the church that could not bear the light of day. Ironic location, isn’t it? Strengthened by his wife and children, Alexandre believes it is time for Preynat to be held accountable for his actions. But starting something on your own against an established order like the Vatican is quite a task.

He decides to write to the church of Lyon and, completely against his expectations, he receives a response from Régine Maire, an associate of the Archbishop of Lyon. A meeting follows in the presence of Régine. When Alexandre confronts 70-year-old Preynat, the priest immediately confesses his actions. He stoically explains that he has been in therapy and that he admits that he is ill. But a public confession does not suit the cleric because of media attention and threats. There is no excuse either, but it is an extremely uncomfortable and misplaced prayer ritual of Preynat and Régine who hold hands in a circle with Alexandre.

This is unbearable and Alexandre contacts the benevolent Cardinal Philippe Barbarin through Régine, who is known for his strong opinion against child abuse in the church. He asks if Barbarin knew about Preynat’s actions and the cardinal responds almost sympathetically that he has taken the parish from Preynat, but that he will always remain a priest. He does, however, have a ban on being near children, which is absolutely a lie. Barbarin pretends to help Alexandre with his struggle, but hides behind a busy schedule. This raises suspicions about the Cardinal’s involvement in this scandal and Alexandre refuses to wait. He decides to file a complaint himself. What he could not have imagined is that thanks to this declaration a snowball effect is created. More and more abuse cases are surfacing. Together with fellow victims (and atheist born of necessity) François, Emmanuel and Gilles, they set up a decisive action group and a file is created with the necessary media attention of more than 80 abused children that the Vatican and the judiciary can no longer ignore.

With the documentary ‘Leaving Neverland’ about the alleged child abuse of Michael Jackson still fresh in our minds, a bridge to pedophilia within the church has quickly been built at this time. The film is filled with raw details of abuse that can be uncomfortable for the viewer, but unfortunately it is also necessary to amplify the story of the victims and its impact. Because what ‘Grâce à Dieu’ lacks is speed. The plot spreads out somewhat slowly over 137 minutes. What definitely benefits the filming is the sobriety in which the story is unfolded, which is exceptional for François Ozon. Other films of his hand are a lot bolder and more explicit in content and image.

Something you would almost forget is that this scandal actually happened. Bernard Preynat really exists and is now 72 years old. The priest has tried to delay the premiere of ‘Grâce à Dieu’ until after his trial. In vain, because he has been officially charged – just like with Philippe Barbarin and Régine Maire. The case is due later this year.

Alexandre’s unwavering belief in God and the Church is as touching as it is incomprehensible. Certainly with these words of Régine: “God will heal your wound, provided you don’t keep scratching it too much” after this film you can’t help but shake your head in astonishment.