Watch Pentecost

Pentecost is a short film from 2011 directed by Irish filmmaker Peter McDonald. The film, which runs for just under 11 minutes, was nominated for the Best Live Action Short Film at the 84th Academy Awards, and it is easy to see why. The story is told with great skill and sensitivity, and the three main actors deliver powerful and nuanced performances.

The film is set in Ireland in the 1970s, and centers around a 12-year-old boy named Damian Lynch (played by Michael McElhatton). Damian is a member of a Catholic parish in which he is an altar boy, but he is less than enthusiastic about his duties. He often seems bored and distracted during mass, and he daydreams about soccer instead of paying attention to Father O'Toole's (Andrew Bennett) sermons.

One day, however, Damian's lack of interest in church becomes a problem. Father O'Toole announces that the Bishop will be visiting the parish on Pentecost Sunday, and all of the altar boys must attend a practice the day before the mass. Damian, who had planned to play soccer with his friends, is forced to attend the practice reluctantly.

During the practice, Father O'Toole instructs the boys on how to hold the censer (a type of incense burner) and swing it back and forth during mass. Damian is the last boy to practice, and Father O'Toole is visibly frustrated with his lack of skill. Damian tries to swing the censer, but he accidentally knocks over a candle, which sets fire to a banner behind him. The boys scream and run out of the church, and Father O'Toole is left alone to put out the fire.

The film's climax takes place on Pentecost Sunday, when the Bishop arrives for mass. Damian is anxious and nervous, and he worries that Father O'Toole will be angry with him for causing the fire. When the time comes for him to swing the censer, he hesitates for a moment before finally doing it. This time, however, he swings it perfectly, and he catches Father O'Toole's eye. The priest smiles warmly at Damian, and the boy realizes that he has finally found a way to connect with his faith.

The film's themes are subtle but powerful. On the surface, it is a coming-of-age story about a young boy who is trying to find his place in the world. Damian is at an age where he is starting to question his beliefs and his place in his community. He is bored with the routine of church, and he daydreams about soccer, which represents the freedom and excitement that he craves.

But Pentecost is also a story about the way in which ritual and tradition can bring people together. The mass is a communal event, and each person has a role to play. The altar boys are responsible for helping to make the mass run smoothly, and their small acts of service are an important part of the larger ritual. By mastering the art of swinging the censer, Damian is able to find a way to participate in the mass that feels meaningful to him.

The film also touches on the relationship between youth and authority, particularly within the Catholic Church. Father O'Toole represents the authority of the Church, and he is often frustrated with the boys' lack of focus and dedication. Damian, by contrast, is more interested in playing soccer and hanging out with his friends than in attending mass. But by the end of the film, Father O'Toole has recognized Damian's talent and dedication, and he rewards him with a warm smile. The film suggests that there is a way for young people to connect with the Church and its traditions, but that it requires patience and understanding from those in authority.

Overall, Pentecost is a beautifully crafted film that tells a simple but powerful story. It is a testament to the power of ritual and tradition, and a reminder of the importance of finding meaning and purpose in our daily lives.