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Synopsis

A recently discovered early work from acclaimed director Eloy de la Iglesia (Bulgarian Lovers, Colegas, Cannibal Man), El Sacerdote (The Priest) tells the often shocking story of a troubled priest in a desperate battle for his own soul.

Set in a strict Catholic parish house, the film takes a piercing look into the tortured human souls of mortal men who have buried the most basic human desires in service of God.

Father Miguel, played with downbeat conviction by Simon Andreu, is a man in physical and psychological torment. Obsessed by images and fantasies of sex, he has sunk into a suicidal mid-life crisis of conscience. Should he surrender to temptation, and possibly be forced to leave his order, or stay and fight the demons of the flesh which may ultimately destroy him.

This early masterpiece - from one of Spain's most controversial gay filmmakers - has not only been banned by the Catholic Church, but was severely censored upon its initial release.

This uncensored version, released for the first time in America, of El Sacerdote is much more than a well-aimed poke in the eye of the Church. It is also a heartfelt examination of the folly and certain tragedy that occurs when a man attempts to destroy the very natural drives that make him a man.