In the Name of the Father

In the Name of the Father

Year: 2023

Runtime: 90 mins

Language: English

Director: Bat Dor Ojalvo

Documentary

This film offers a rare glimpse into one of Israel’s most secluded Hasidic communities. It explores the scandal that arose following the death of the rabbi who founded and led the community. The story delves into the complexities of faith, power, and secrets within this close-knit and traditionally observant group, revealing a surprising criminal element.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen In the Name of the Father yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – In the Name of the Father (2023)

Explore the full timeline and setting of In the Name of the Father (2023). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Early 1970s (circa 1974)

The events unfold during the Troubles era in Britain and Northern Ireland, highlighted by the Guildford bombing and subsequent police actions. The period features heightened security measures and coercive interrogations that influence the legal process. The timeline follows the initial arrests, imprisonment, appeals, and the slow uncovering of the truth.

Location

Belfast, London, Guildford

Belfast is the home base for Gerry Conlon and his family amid the Troubles, a city marked by political tension and security forces. London serves as the center of the investigation, interrogation, and court proceedings that shape Gerry's fate. Guildford is the site of the bombing that triggers the wrongful arrest and becomes a focal point for the later pursuit of the truth.

🏙️ Belfast 🏛️ London 🏟️ Guildford

Last Updated: October 01, 2025 at 09:49

Main Characters – In the Name of the Father (2023)

Meet the key characters of In the Name of the Father (2023), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Gerry Conlon

The film's central figure, Gerry is a young man wrongly arrested for the Guildford bombing. He endures coercive interrogation and torture, signs a confession under duress, and maintains his innocence throughout. His resilience drives the pursuit of truth as his family and supporters fight for justice.

🎭 Protagonist ⛓️ False confession 💪 Resilience

Giuseppe Conlon

Gerry's father who becomes a driving force behind the fight for exoneration. He is arrested with other family members, and his campaign to uncover the truth propels the legal team's work. His death from tuberculosis in custody adds tragedy and motivates Gerry to persist.

👨 Father figure 🔎 Investigator 💔 Tragedy

Joe McAndrew

An inmate who claims responsibility for the bombing and reveals that police withheld this information. The relationship with Gerry evolves, but Joe's volatile actions—like setting a prison guard on fire—complicate the path to justice.

🕵️ Informant 🔎 Confession 🔥 Violence

Charlie Burke

A homeless Irishman who becomes an ally, providing a statement that helps exonerate Gerry during an appeal. He testifies about the case's inconsistencies and the mishandling of evidence.

🗣️ Witness 🤝 Ally 🧩 Key alibi

Gareth Peirce

Gerry and Giuseppe's lawyer, whose investigation uncovers vital evidence. He fights to bring new information to light, including notes that were not shown to the defence, driving the appeal process.

⚖️ Lawyer 🔎 Investigator 🧠 Strategist

Paul Hill

Gerry's friend who is arrested along with him; together with two others, they are dubbed the Guildford Four and are subjected to police pressure and torture. He remains part of a broader network connected to the case.

🤝 Friend 🧭 Co-accused 🌪️ Turmoil

Last Updated: October 01, 2025 at 09:49

Major Themes – In the Name of the Father (2023)

Explore the central themes of In the Name of the Father (2023), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Injustice

The Guildford Four are convicted on a coerced confession amid a flawed investigation. The film emphasizes how fear, pressure, and procedural failures distort the pursuit of truth. It shows the human cost of misjudgment and the long road to exoneration.

🕊️ Truth & Justice

The narrative centers on uncovering the real events behind the bombing and challenging official narratives. Key testimonies and discovered notes reveal information that was neglected or suppressed. The eventual exoneration underscores the fragile but essential fight for fair justice.

👨‍👦 Family & Resolve

Gerry's bond with his father Giuseppe drives the legal battle, turning personal loyalty into a public campaign for justice. Giuseppe's dedication and suffering in custody catalyze Gerry's perseverance, even after his father's death. The film portrays how family ties sustain courage against a hostile system.

Last Updated: October 01, 2025 at 09:49

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of In the Name of the Father

Don't stop at just watching — explore In the Name of the Father in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what In the Name of the Father is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

In the Name of the Father Summary

Read a complete plot summary of In the Name of the Father, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

In the Name of the Father Summary

In the Name of the Father Timeline

Track the full timeline of In the Name of the Father with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

In the Name of the Father Timeline

In the Name of the Father Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of In the Name of the Father that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

In the Name of the Father Spoiler-Free Summary

More About In the Name of the Father

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about In the Name of the Father: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About In the Name of the Father

Explore More About Movie In the Name of the Father

In the Name of the Father (2023) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

In the Name of the Father (2023) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

In the Name of the Father (2023) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow