Added to Netflix on Thursday, Feb 29, 2024 The Forgiven portrays the aftermath of a tragic accident involving a wealthy couple, David and Jo Henninger, and a local boy in the Moroccan desert. As they rush to a lavish party, their lives take a dramatic turn, leading to a deep exploration of guilt, redemption, and cultural clashes. The encounter with the boy’s father, demanding a traditional burial, forces David into a journey of moral reckoning. Amidst the opulent setting, the film delves into themes of privilege, responsibility, and the possibility of forgiveness, juxtaposing the couple’s recklessness against the backdrop of stark cultural and socio-economic divides.
Length: 1h 50m
Genre: Drama
This Title is: Cerebral, Serious
The Forgiven is New on Netflix in Canada!
Trailer
Cast
- Ralph Fiennes as David Henninger
- Jessica Chastain as Jo Henninger
- Matt Smith as Richard Galloway
Parental Guidance
Maturity Rating: R
The movie involves themes of guilt, cultural conflict, and redemption, with scenes that might require parental discretion. Rated R for language throughout, drug use, some sexual content and brief violence.
Trivia
- The film is based on the 2012 novel of the same name by Lawrence Osborne.
- It premiered to mixed reviews, with a focus on the performances and thematic depth.
- Director John Michael McDonagh explores the complexities of privilege and morality against a Moroccan backdrop.
Our Review
- Quality:
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- Storyline:
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- Entertainment:
The Forgiven, featuring notable performances by Ralph Fiennes and Jessica Chastain, has elicited mixed reactions from both critics and audiences. The movie’s incisive exploration of themes such as privilege and redemption is often lauded for its depth and relevance. Fiennes and Chastain’s portrayals are particularly highlighted for their complexity and nuance, bringing a compelling dynamic to the fore. However, some reviews suggest that the film, while engaging, sometimes falls short of fully realizing its potential in terms of narrative depth and character development. Critics appreciate the film’s aesthetic and the atmospheric setting, which adds a layer of visual appeal to the story’s unfolding drama. Despite these strengths, there are observations that the movie occasionally veers into territory that feels unearned or superficial, particularly in its critique of reckless privilege. Nonetheless, The Forgiven is acknowledged for its ambitious storytelling and the questions it raises about morality, making it a thought-provoking piece that resonates with a wide range of viewers. The ensemble cast’s performance, coupled with John Michael McDonagh’s direction, makes for an intriguing watch, even as opinions on its execution and impact vary.
Critic Scores
The Forgiven has received a mixed positive review by the critics
