Deliver Us from Evil (2006)

Netflix Synopsis: This unsettling Oscar-nominated documentary from filmmaker Amy Berg investigates the life of 30-year pedophile Father Oliver O’Grady and exposes the corruption inside the Catholic Church that allowed him to abuse countless children. A mix of victim stories and a disturbing interview with O’Grady provides a view into the troubled mind of the spiritual leader who moved from parish to parish gaining the trust of congregations … all the while betraying so many.

Review: This was a very powerful movie. I watched as the facts unfolded, as the accused discussed their side, as the victims horrible stories continued to pile up. I knew that a lot of sexual abuse took place in the church, I was just not aware of the secrecy, and the lengths at which the church has gone to ensure the priests stay protected. It was appalling to know that even though Father O’Grady admitted his sickness to the church, their secrecy allowed him to continue, and in some ways it could be said that by the church taking such steps to protect him, in a way they were encouraging his behavior.

I stepped away from this film deeply saddened. While I am not a very religious person, I realize there are many who are. If families cannot trust the church and those in positions of power in those churches, what has our society come to? When those who represent the God whose words they preach, cannot be trusted with our children, there is a serious problem that needs to be addressed.

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Submitted by: Heather 7/25/07