Thy Kingdom Come (2018)

Film Introduction
"Thy Kingdom Come" is a 2018 documentary-style film by Eugene Richards, featuring Oscar-winning star Javier Bardem. The movie provides a haunting and profound evaluation of American life by masterfully blurring the line in between fiction and documentary.

Plot Outline
The movie presents a series of intimate, honest discussions in between Bardem's character and the genuine inhabitants of Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Bardem poses as a Spanish priest named Father Quintana, a character he depicted in the 2012 Terrence Malick movie "To The Wonder". Principal video from "Thy Kingdom Come" was originally shot during the production of "To The Wonder" but was not included in the last edit. Nevertheless, Richards saw possible in the genuine, human connections caught and chosen to turn this product into a standalone movie.

The facility of "Thy Kingdom Come" focuses on Bardem's priest who checks out houses, hospitals, jails, and other locations to engage with real strangers where he listens to the often troubling, in some cases moving stories they share. The film checks out themes of faith, sadness, solace, and the search for meaning in life against a background of an economically delicate village.

Character and Performances
Javier Bardem's character, Father Quintana, is the central figure who connects all other characters and their stories in this movie. Bardem provides an immersive performance, mixing in the false nature of his character with listening and connecting truly with the townsfolk. It's through his interactions that the audience is exposed to an unscripted narrative, filled with raw, emotional, and sincere tales.

Casting Real-life Characters
The cast of "Thy Kingdom Come" is mainly non-professional and consists of the real citizens of Bartlesville. Their real-life stories, improvised responses, and interactions include a genuine feel to the film, making it appear more like a series of individual encounters instead of scripted events. Making use of non-professional stars presents an authentic representation of life in small-town America.

Non-traditional Filmmaking and Reception
As a movie, "Thy Kingdom Come" challenges the traditional limits of filmmaking by blending fiction and truth in a speculative kind, producing an emotive cinematic experience. This ingenious approach to storytelling was usually well received by critics, who praised the film for its deep insights into human lives, the socio-economic conditions, and belief systems of an often neglected section of American society. However, some viewers discovered the movie's non-traditional design a bit perplexing, as it deviated from typical narrative movie theater.

Conclusion
"Thy Kingdom Come" offers a snapshot into the raw, unfiltered realities of life in a town, opening a compassionate discourse on issues such as social isolation, financial despair, faith, and resilience. Bardem, under the guise of a priest, effectively acts as a listening ear, enabling the film's individuals to bare their souls, resulting in a film that's as much about the private stories as it is about the complexities of the human condition.

Top Cast