Deliver Us from Evil
Directed by Amy Berg.
For those of you yet to see Deliver Us From Evil, it revolves around the intriguing life of Father Oliver O'Grady. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, in the state of California, O'Grady led a double life — priest and paedophile.
It is clear that the number of children abused by O'Grady, now adults, are still struggling with the ultimate abuse of trust and their parents are feeling the guilt of having placed their faith (haha) in him. O'Grady talks candidly to the camera. One of the more memorable moments of the film for me was when he stated; "Children in swimsuits… yes, they arouse me."
While this film focuses on O'Grady and the lives he has affected, his story is used to draw attention to the worldwide problem of paedophilia within the Catholic Church and the subsequent inability of the Church to deal with it.
There is a ray of hope in the form of Father Tom Doyle, a priest, lawyer and historian, who fights to expose paedophilia and gain justice for victims. He also offers insight into why paedophilia is suppressed within the Church, with a number of historical and philosophical perspectives.
As a Catholic, I found this film confronting, but essential viewing. It will stay with me for a long time.
Alexandra Golat
