Jesus of Montreal

The narrative takes place in the late 1980s Montreal scene, a period of artistic experimentation and visible church influence. Daniel’s controversial reinterpretation of Jesus reflects the era’s tensions between modern culture and traditional doctrine. This timeframe shapes the public and institutional reactions that drive the plot and its stakes.

The story unfolds in Montreal, centering on a Catholic pilgrimage site (the sanctuary) where Daniel is hired to modernize a long-standing passion play. The action moves through urban spaces, a crowded hospital, and the city’s transit system, grounding the drama in a contemporary, secular environment alongside religious institutions. The setting highlights the clash between artistic experimentation and ecclesiastical authority within a bustling late-1980s city.

🎭 Art vs Religion

The film centers on how an avant-garde theatre approach challenges Catholic doctrine. Daniel’s modernization of a sacred narrative pushes against established norms, provoking conflict with church authorities. The clash raises questions about freedom of expression, the role of art in faith, and the boundaries of permissible reinterpretation.

🔎 Truth and Myth

Daniel’s research into controversial historical sources reshapes the story of Jesus, blending fact and interpretation. The pursuit of authenticity carries personal and communal risk as performers and audiences wrestle with provocative implications. The film explores how myth-making intersects with belief, history, and power.

⚖️ Consequences

Controversy leads to institutional pushback, legal trouble, and violence, underscoring the costs of art that confronts dogma. The arc moves from stage to tragedy, then to a new beginning as Daniel’s friends form a theatre company to continue his work. Ethical tensions around medical care and organ donation also deepen the drama.