Father Greg Pilkington (Linus Roache) is assigned to St. Mary's parish in Liverpool, and startled to discover Father Matthew Thomas (Tom Wilkinson) is engaged in a sexual relationship with rectory housekeeper Maria Kerrigan (Cathy Tyson). While his conservatism and religious beliefs are offended by the older priest's disregard for his vow of celibacy, he struggles with his own homosexual urges, especially after he meets Graham (Robert Carlyle) at a local gay hangout and the two begin a physical relationship. Meanwhile, student Lisa Unsworth (Christine Tremarco) confides she is the victim of incestuous sexual abuse by her father, who confirms her story. But both have revealed their secret in the confessional, and Father Greg is required to honor the sanctity of the Sacrament of Penance and not reveal what he has been told, despite the fact the girl is suffering emotionally and physically. He tries to warn her mother to keep a close watch on her, but the naive woman believes her daughter is safe with her husband.
When Mrs. Unsworth (Lesley Sharp) discovers her husband molesting Lisa and realizes the priest knew what was happening, she lashes out at him. Adding to his torment is his arrest for engaging in sexual activity with Graham in a parked car. When he pleads guilty to the charge, the story is front page news in the local newspaper. Unable to face his parishioners, Father Greg relocates to a remote rural parish headed by a disapproving and unforgiving priest. Father Matthew convinces him to return to St. Mary's, and the two preside over a Mass that is disrupted by the protests of those opposed to Father Greg's presence on the altar. Father Matthew demands the protesters leave the chapel. The two priests then begin to distribute the Eucharist, but the remaining parishioners ignore Father Greg and line up to receive communion from Father Matthew. Lisa finally approaches the younger priest, and the two fall into each other's arms sobbing.
Although at times serious and distressing, "Priest" also has some moments that are funny. When Pilkington asks a woman with a neck-brace if she has hurt her neck, she replies "No, I'm a dedicated follower of fashion." The scenes where Pilkington is with his partner Graham are sensual and do not flinch from portraying their homosexual relationship erotically and candidly. Film critic Roger Ebert rated the film one star out of a possible four, calling the screenplay "shallow and exploitative." He added, "The movie argues that the hidebound and outdated rules of the church are responsible for some people (priests) not having sex although they should, while others (incestuous parents) can keep on having it although they shouldn't. For this movie to be described as a moral statement about anything other than the filmmaker's prejudices is beyond belief." Peter Stack of the San Francisco Chronicle called it "an exceptional movie," "powerful drama," and "a curiously inspiring statement about faith and morality." Don't get me started. Andy Roberts composed the original music, Jimmy McGovern wrote the screenplay, and Antonia Bird directed.
