Some films won’t let go easily. They pierce and resonate; asking questions, stirring emotions and sometimes even provoking responses long after the credits roll. Two films released last year that fall into this category for me are Calvary and Short Term 12. Both are low budget, independent films that punch hard and above their weight.

Calvary is a profound Irish commentary from writer and director John Michael McDonagh (The Guard). It’s a dark comedy drama that offers a troubling moral and theological investigation. Brendan Gleeson, who gives a fierce central performance, is the rural Priest Father James who tries to uphold a sense of truth and goodness while being vilified. I found this film intoxicating from the opening scene. The film displays the complexities of humanity and faith as we sense some of the legacy of pain from abuse inflicted, a deep cynicism towards the church, and the struggles of life. And yet it seems there might be hope. This film is extraordinary and has left me somewhat bruised from the encounter.

Forgiveness has been highly underrated. 

Short Term 12 is a beautiful and intelligent film that charts life at a short-term US foster care centre where underpaid young adults look after deeply scarred kids. We see through the eyes of Grace, one of the staff team who battles her own scars, while showing compassion and courage. I loved this film: the characters, the messiness, the truths and hope. And the way that it has been put together. ST12 is that rare gem that combines grit and inspiration while avoiding the pitfalls that could have made it predictable and sentimental. That it is an indie film perhaps helped its cause.

These two films have left their mark. Both won’t let go easily and I suppose that is the beauty of cinema.