Consecration is a 2023 supernatural horror-thriller film directed by Christopher Smith from a script he co-wrote with Laurie Cook, and starring Jena Malone, Danny Huston and Janet Suzman. Shot in Scotland on the Isle of Skye, the film was released in the United Kingdom and United States on February 10, 2023.
| Consecration | |
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 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Christopher Smith |
| Written by |
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| Produced by |
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| Starring | |
| Cinematography |
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| Edited by | Arthur Davis |
| Music by | Nathan Halpern |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | IFC Films |
Release date |
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Running time | 90 minutes |
| Countries |
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| Language | English |
| Box office | $2.4 million[1][2] |
Synopsis
editAn English woman arrives at a convent on the Isle of Skye looking to find out the truth about her priest brother's death, but discovers that he was himself also a suspect in a murder investigation.The protagonist had powers as a child, with no recollection of her past. After learning of her brother's death she travels to Scotland to uncover the secrets the convent is keeping.[3]
Cast
edit- Jena Malone as Dr. Grace Fario
- Daisy Allen as Young Grace
- Danny Huston as Father Romero
- Janet Suzman as Mother Superior
- Thoren Ferguson as DCI Officer Harris
- Eilidh Fisher as Sister Meg
- Alexandra Lewis as Sister Beth
- Jolade Obasola as Sister Matilda
- Will Keen as Dr. John Holmes
- Steffan Cennydd as Michael Fario
- Kit Rakusen as Young Michael
- Ian Pirie as Vincent Fario
- Shaun Scott as Father Carol
Production
editThe project was first reported in Variety in July 2021 with a shooting schedule set for later that summer,[4] and an aim to pitch the film to sellers at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival.[5] In October 2021, Jena Malone, Danny Huston and Janet Suzman were cast.[6]
The film was produced by AGC Studios, produced by Xavier Marchand of Moonriver Content, Jason Newmark of Newscope Films and Laurie Cook of Bigscope Films who was also co-writer. It was financed by AGC with additional financing by Sherborne Capital. Smith told Entertainment Weekly he was inspired to make the film by due to his inherent fascination with all denominations of religion apparent strange essence saying "I'm never more spooked out than if I walk into a church or a temple. I wanted to make a movie about religion but do it seriously."[7]
Principal photography took place in October 2021 in London and Scotland.[8]
Release
editIFC Films distributed the film theatrically in the United States with Shudder having the first streaming window.[9] Consecration was released on February 10, 2023, in the United Kingdom and United States; March 3, 2023 on VOD; and May 19, 2023, on Shudder.[10] The film was screened at the Glasgow Film Festival on March 11, 2023.[11]
Reception
editOn the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 42% of 62 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 5/10. The website's consensus reads: "Despite being blessed with Jena Malone in the lead, Consecration serves up Catholic-themed horror that's far more hoary than hallowed."[12] Metacritic gave the film a weighted average score of 40 out of 100, based on 12 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".[13]
References
edit- ^ "Consecration (2023)". The Numbers. Nash Information Services, LLC. Retrieved February 27, 2023.
- ^ "Consecration (2023)". Box Office Mojo. IMDb. Retrieved February 27, 2023.
- ^ Bergeson, Samantha (January 12, 2023). "'Consecration' Trailer: Jena Malone Accuses Horrific Nuns of Murdering a Priest". IndieWire. Archived from the original on January 25, 2023. Retrieved February 11, 2023.
- ^ Ravindran, Manori (July 6, 2021). "Moonfall' Sales Firm AGC Launches Supernatural Thriller 'Consecration' (Exclusive)". Variety. Archived from the original on January 25, 2023. Retrieved February 11, 2023.
- ^ Roxborough, Scott (July 6, 2021). "Cannes: 'The Banishing' Director Christopher Smith Boards 'Consecration'". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on January 25, 2023. Retrieved February 11, 2023.
- ^ Ravindran, Manori (October 6, 2021). "Jena Malone, Danny Huston, Janet Suzman Board AGC Studios Horror-Thriller 'Consecration' (Exclusive)". Variety. Archived from the original on January 25, 2023. Retrieved February 11, 2023.
- ^ Collis, Clark (January 11, 2023). "Jena Malone faces murderous nuns and unholy horrors in trailer for Consecration". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on February 15, 2023. Retrieved February 11, 2023.
- ^ Kay, Jeremy (October 6, 2021). "Production underway in London, Scotland on AGC supernatural horror 'Consecration'". Screen Daily. Archived from the original on December 4, 2022. Retrieved February 11, 2023.
- ^ Lang, Brett (October 31, 2022). "IFC Midnight, Shudder Buy Supernatural Thriller 'Consecration' From AGC Studios (Exclusive)". Variety. Archived from the original on January 25, 2023.
- ^ Dry, Jude (February 10, 2023). "Consecration Review: Jena Malone Defiles Some Nuns in Throwback Possession Thriller". IndieWire. Archived from the original on February 12, 2023. Retrieved February 10, 2023.
- ^ "Consecration NC-18". Glasgow Film Festival. Archived from the original on February 13, 2023. Retrieved February 13, 2023.
- ^ "Consecration". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved February 14, 2023.
- ^ "Consecration". Metacritic. Archived from the original on February 12, 2023. Retrieved February 14, 2023.
