Conspiracy of Silence

Conspiracy of Silence

Year: 2004

Runtime: 90 min

Language: English

Director: John Deery

Drama

A seminarian's expulsion triggers a series of unsettling events, jeopardizing the silence surrounding the death of a priest. A determined journalist investigates, uncovering a web of secrets and challenging the unwavering loyalty of the community. As the truth emerges, long-held deceptions are exposed, forcing those involved to confront their roles in a deeply unsettling situation and seek a path toward redemption.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Conspiracy of Silence (2004)

Trace every key event in Conspiracy of Silence (2004) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Sweeney's suicide and its immediate consequences

Father Sweeney, a gay Catholic priest living with HIV, commits suicide, shocking his community. His death prompts local investigative journalist David Foley to pursue a story about Sweeney's illness and possible church concealment. Foley's piece publicly identifies Sweeney as HIV-positive, triggering controversy and scrutiny of church leaders.

Sweeney's residence
2

Foley begins a story linking Sweeney to HIV status

Foley writes a report that publicly reveals Sweeney's HIV status, challenging the church's image and handling of the priest's life. The article sets in motion a broader inquiry into celibacy, sexuality, and clerical oversight.

local newsroom
3

Seminary expels two near-ordaination students for appearances

At the local seminary, two students who are near ordination are expelled after one is seen leaving the room of the other. Niall is gay and Daniel straight; they did not engage in sexual activity, but they are expelled to preserve appearances. The decision tests Daniel's path toward priesthood.

local seminary
4

Daniel returns home; torn between calling and Sinead

Daniel returns home, torn between his calling to the priesthood and his love for his ex-girlfriend Sinead. He grapples with the consequences of his expulsion while considering his future. The personal turmoil foreshadows the broader public conflict to come.

Daniel's home
5

Foley's follow-up article targets Vatican AIDS protest and celibacy

Daniel meets with Foley, who writes a follow-up article exposing a covered-up AIDS protest staged at the Vatican three years earlier and Daniel's dismissal. The piece also alleges that cardinals close to the Pope are involved in sexual relationships and calls on the Church to re-examine its celibacy requirement.

Foley's office
6

Bishop Quinn pressures editor not to run the second story

Bishop Michael Quinn pressures the editor of the local paper to suppress the second story. He aims to shield the church from further scandal and control the narrative surrounding Sweeney's death and Daniel's fate.

editor's office
7

Editor reluctantly relents; forwards story to Irish Times

The local editor, initially reluctant, relents after reading the story and forwards it to the Irish Times. This shift moves the controversy from a local issue to a national stage, increasing pressure on church authorities.

local newspaper office
8

Irish Times publishes the story

The Irish Times prints the story, bringing wider attention to Sweeney's case and the Vatican-related allegations. The publication intensifies scrutiny of church leadership and celibacy practices.

Irish Times newsroom
9

Live TV debate features the bishop, Foley and Daniel

The next day, the bishop, his aide, Foley and Daniel appear together in a live television debate. The confrontation centers on accountability, celibacy, and the church's handling of Sweeney's death and the subsequent revelations.

the day after Irish Times publication live television studio
10

Church threats Foley before the broadcast

Before the broadcast, agents of the Church threaten to harm Foley's family unless he retracts his story. The intimidation underscores the high-stakes pressure faced by reporters and the institutional power at stake.

immediately before broadcast studio/backstage
11

Bishop offers to reinstate Daniel if he admits wrong

During the broadcast, the bishop offers to reinstate Daniel if he admits he has been wrong. The offer tests Daniel's resolve and probes the boundaries between faith, truth, and institutional authority.

during broadcast live debate stage
12

Foley capitulates; Daniel refuses to admit fault

On-air Foley capitulates and retracts, but Daniel refuses to concede. The moment highlights a clash between journalistic truth and ecclesiastical power, and until-then quiet dissent comes to the fore.

during broadcast live broadcast
13

Confrontation: suicide note reveals affair

When the bishop refuses to answer, Father Sweeney's partner, former priest Matthew Francis, confronts Quinn with Sweeney's suicide note revealing an affair between Quinn and Sweeney. The revelation deepens the scandal and intensifies public pressure on church leaders.

immediately after debate studio/backstage
14

Ending: Daniel returns home with Sinead

In the film's ending, Daniel is back at home with his former girlfriend Sinead. The conclusion leaves him to weigh his future and the church's role in his life, without a clean resolution to the wider scandal.

end Daniel's home

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:58

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Conspiracy of Silence

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