PILGRIMAGE (2017)
PILGRIMAGE (2017)
Starring: Tom Holland, Richard Armitage, Jon Bernthal, Stanley Weber
Genre: Adventure / Drama / Historical / Thriller
“Faith is tested where survival begins.”
Review
Pilgrimage is a grim, atmospheric medieval drama that strips religion and warfare down to their rawest forms. Set in 13th-century Ireland, the film follows a small group of monks tasked with escorting a sacred relic across hostile territory, turning a holy mission into a brutal test of survival.
Tom Holland plays Brother Diarmuid, a mute novice whose innocence and quiet strength form the emotional heart of the film. Holland delivers a restrained, physical performance, relying heavily on expression and presence rather than dialogue. His vulnerability makes the surrounding violence feel even more unsettling.
Richard Armitage is commanding as Brother Geraldus, a devout but ruthless leader whose fanaticism blurs the line between faith and cruelty. His rigid belief system drives the group forward, even as it leads them deeper into moral and physical danger.
Jon Bernthal brings raw intensity as The Mute, a battle-hardened warrior serving as protector. Bernthal’s performance injects the film with menace and unpredictability, embodying a man shaped entirely by violence yet capable of moments of grim compassion.
The film’s tone is relentlessly bleak. Mud, blood, and mist dominate the screen, creating an oppressive atmosphere where every step forward feels earned. Action scenes are sudden and brutal, lacking heroism or spectacle, reinforcing the idea that survival—not glory—is the only objective.
Rather than glorifying religion, Pilgrimage questions it. Faith is portrayed as both a source of hope and a justification for brutality. The relic itself becomes a symbol of power rather than salvation, exposing how belief can be weaponized.
Highlights
Tom Holland’s powerful, dialogue-free performance
Jon Bernthal’s ferocious, grounded intensity
Dark, authentic medieval atmosphere
Brutal, realistic violence without glamor
Thought-provoking exploration of faith and fanaticism
Final Verdict
6.9/10Pilgrimage is not an easy watch, but it is a striking one. Its slow pace and unflinching brutality may alienate some viewers, yet those drawn to grim historical dramas with psychological depth will find it a haunting and provocative experience.
“When belief becomes a weapon, no one walks away clean.”
