The Good Catholic

The Good Catholic

Year: 2017

Runtime: 96 min

Language: English

Director: Paul Shoulberg

Echo Score: 48
DramaComedy

A young, idealistic priest named Daniel finds his faith tested when he encounters Jane, a captivating and mysterious woman. Torn between the guidance of his traditional mentor, Father Victor, and the more unconventional approach of Father Ollie, Daniel's beliefs are challenged. As he confronts Jane's influence and the complexities of his own emotions, he must re-examine his calling and face difficult choices about love, faith, and the true meaning of his vocation.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Good Catholic 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 – The Good Catholic (2017)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Good Catholic (2017). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The story unfolds in contemporary times, reflecting modern issues within a traditional setting. It addresses timeless themes of faith, loss, and personal connection against the backdrop of a church community. The characters navigate their emotional struggles in a context that remains relevant to today's audience.

Location

Indiana

The movie is set primarily in a quaint rectory in Indiana, which serves as the residence and workspace for the three priests. Known for its serene atmosphere, the rectory is a place of reflection, community, and spiritual connection. The charm of Indiana's landscapes likely enhances the tranquility and contemplative nature of the priests' daily lives.

🏡 Rectory ⛪ Church

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:23

Main Characters – The Good Catholic (2017)

Meet the key characters of The Good Catholic (2017), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Father Dan (Zachary Spicer)

Father Dan is a young priest grappling with the loss of his father while trying to find his place in the clergy. His connection with Jane brings out a side that is emotionally relatable, revealing his inner struggles and desire for deeper meaning in his vocation. Dan's character development showcases a journey from isolation to connecting genuinely with others.

🕊️ Priest 💔 Grief

Father Ollie (John C. McGinley)

Father Ollie is a lively and exuberant priest who embraces life with energy and passion, particularly for food and sports. His jovial personality acts as a stark contrast to the more serious reflections of his peers. Ollie’s character adds a lighthearted touch, providing moments of humor amidst the film's deeper themes.

🏀 Sports 🎉 Personality

Father Victor (Danny Glover)

Father Victor serves as the elder of the three priests, embodying calmness and wisdom through his faith-driven routine. He is deeply committed to his duties, and his powerful homilies reflect his profound understanding of love and spirituality. Victor's character plays a crucial role in guiding the younger priests toward recognizing their own paths.

📖 Faith 👨‍🏫 Wisdom

Jane (Wrenn Schmidt)

Jane is a troubled musician searching for solace and understanding. Her interactions with Father Dan highlight her vulnerability and artistic spirit. As she opens up about her fears and aspirations, Jane's character becomes a mirror reflecting the emotional landscape of the film, embodying themes of love and authenticity.

🎤 Musician 🌧️ Vulnerability

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:23

Major Themes – The Good Catholic (2017)

Explore the central themes of The Good Catholic (2017), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

❤️ Love and Faith

The theme of love intertwines with faith as Father Dan navigates his relationship with Jane. Their evolving bond illustrates the complexities of love—both divine and romantic. The priests’ struggles showcase the balance between commitment to their faith and personal desires.

🎶 Art and Vulnerability

Jane’s character embodies the theme of art as a form of expression and vulnerability. Through her music, she reveals her fears and aspirations, deepening her connection with Father Dan. This interplay of art and emotional honesty highlights the therapeutic effects of creative outlets.

🕊️ Reflection and Spirituality

Reflective moments punctuate the film as the priests engage with their spiritual duties and personal crises. Each character confronts their faith in different ways, leading to realizations that shape their destinies. The story invites viewers to ponder the mysteries of divine existence.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:23

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.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies about faith crises like The Good Catholic

Character-driven dramas about questioning one's life path and deepest beliefs.For viewers who enjoyed the reflective, personal struggle in The Good Catholic, this collection features similar movies about questioning faith and vocation. These character-driven dramas explore themes of doubt, mentorship, and the search for personal truth in a gentle, thoughtful manner.

introspectivesearchingmelancholicgentlereflectivethoughtful

Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread follow protagonists who experience a deep questioning of their long-held beliefs or life's calling. The plot is driven by internal conflict and personal conversations, often featuring a mentor figure and an outside influence that catalyzes the crisis. The journey is less about external events and more about the character's evolving perspective.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on a gentle, introspective exploration of faith and purpose. They share a low-key intensity, a bittersweet or melancholic tone, and a character-centered approach to serious thematic material.

Movies with bittersweet forbidden romance like The Good Catholic

Stories of meaningful but complicated relationships that defy conventions.If you liked the poignant, complicated relationship in The Good Catholic, this thread gathers movies featuring bittersweet forbidden love stories. These films explore meaningful connections that challenge social norms, focusing on emotional depth and character growth over simple resolutions.

bittersweetmelancholicpoignantheartfeltcomplicatedsearching

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a protagonist forming a profound bond with someone that is socially, professionally, or personally off-limits. The relationship serves as a catalyst for self-discovery and challenges the protagonist's established world. The story often builds a deep emotional connection, but concludes with an ambiguous or bittersweet ending, leaving the ultimate fate of the relationship open.

Why These Movies?

This thread groups films that share a specific emotional mix: a high degree of heartfelt romance balanced with sadness and complexity. They feature a slow-burn development of a central, unconventional relationship that drives the protagonist's emotional journey, resulting in a poignant and thoughtful atmosphere.

Unlock the Full Story of The Good Catholic

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Good Catholic 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 The Good Catholic is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Good Catholic Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Good Catholic, 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.

The Good Catholic Summary

The Good Catholic Timeline

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

The Good Catholic Timeline

The Good Catholic Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Good Catholic 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.

The Good Catholic Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Good Catholic

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Good Catholic: 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 The Good Catholic

Similar Movies to The Good Catholic

Discover movies like The Good Catholic that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.