“Between devotion and survival, one path decides the fate of souls and kingdoms alike.”
Pilgrimage (2017) storms onto the screen as a gritty, intense medieval adventure where faith and violence collide in the mist-shrouded wilds of 13th-century Ireland. Directed by Brendan Muldowney and featuring a stellar cast including Tom Holland, Jon Bernthal, and Richard Armitage, this film dives deep into a brutal world where sacred relics become the currency of power—and men die to protect them.
Set in 1209, the story follows a group of Irish monks entrusted with transporting a holy relic—a legendary stone said to have struck Saint Matthias during his martyrdom—to Rome. The monks believe the relic’s power can help solidify Christian influence in a war-torn land. Among them is Brother Diarmuid (Tom Holland), a young novice whose innocence is quickly tested, and The Mute (Jon Bernthal), a mysterious lay brother carrying violent secrets of his own.
As they journey through dense forests and across treacherous terrain, they encounter Norman knights, pagan tribes, and betrayal from within. Richard Armitage portrays Sir Raymond, a ruthless Norman commander driven by ambition and political motives to claim the relic for himself. The once-devout pilgrimage transforms into a savage fight for survival, testing the monks’ faith and loyalty to the breaking point.
Visually, Pilgrimage is raw and beautiful. Rain-soaked landscapes, dark forests, and crashing waves create a brooding atmosphere steeped in authenticity. The battle scenes are visceral, shot with unflinching realism that highlights the grim brutality of medieval warfare.
Tom Holland delivers a sensitive and compelling performance, capturing Diarmuid’s transition from naive monk to hardened survivor. Jon Bernthal, despite uttering barely a word, commands the screen with a performance rooted in both ferocity and sorrow. The film’s stark dialogue and moments of silent contemplation allow the narrative’s themes—faith, sacrifice, and the violence committed in the name of God—to resonate deeply.
While some critics have found its pace deliberate and its violence unrelenting, Pilgrimage remains a haunting, powerful exploration of belief tested in humanity’s darkest hour. It’s a medieval odyssey that proves the path to salvation can be soaked in blood.
