Ambiguous, gritty and esoteric, Padre Pio is more art film than devotional

Father Pio hears the confession of a penitent in the film Padre Pio. (Photo courtesy of Gravitas Ventures)

Reviewed by Ann Margaret Lewis

The allure of a film featuring one of the most beloved saints of the 20th century is difficult for devoted Catholics to refuse. However, the film Padre Pio from director Abel Ferrara (King of New York), while holding artistic interest, is rated R for language and nudity and should be viewed with caution.

Padre Pio is not a devotional film nor biopic, as we’ve seen with more recent Catholic-themed studio releases like 2020’s Fatima or 2022’s Father Stu. It is, instead, an art film, one that is gritty, obscure and at times, graphic.

Using two cross-cut plotlines, the film centers on one period in the life of St. Pio of Pietrelcina, in which he arrives at the Our Lady of Grace Capuchin Friary in San Giovanni Rotundo, Italy, following the end of World War I. One storyline follows impoverished villagers as they are convinced by a growing socialist movement to vote against the aristocracy in their first free election. The other follows Father Pio, who struggles personally against demonic attacks in his cell, celebrates Mass with great reverence, and hears the confessions of both repentant and unrepentant townspeople.

These two plots rarely connect. In fact, one might say that Father Pio is almost a cameo in the film bearing his name. However, the ending seems to make clear that the two stories have been intertwined all along, in that Father Pio has been suffering redemptively for the people who surround his friary.

Father Pio himself is portrayed with reverence and passion by actor Shia Labeouf (Transformers). While he chose not to use an Italian accent like his cast-mates, it doesn’t affect his performance, which is genuine and respectful. Labeouf was inspired by his role so much that he is reportedly preparing at this time to be received into the full communion of the Church.

The film is rated R for good reason. There is coarse language used by the townspeople and once by Pio himself at an unrepentant man in confession. There is also nudity appearing in scenes in which Pio is being tormented by the devil.

The film is receiving limited release in 25 markets nationwide and will also appear in streaming outlets beginning on June 2. †