The Good Catholic (Film)

The Good Catholic is a 2017 dramatic comedy film written and directed by Paul Shoulberg. The film centers on a young Catholic priest who begins to question faith, personal identity, and love after an unexpected encounter with a mysterious woman. Inspired by a true story, the film explores the tension between religious devotion and individual freedom through a simple yet poignant narrative.

Plot

The story follows Father Daniel (Zachary Spicer), a young priest serving in a small Catholic church in Indiana. His days are filled with prayer, attending to his parishioners, and conversing with senior priests Father Victor and Father Ollie. Daniel’s monotonous life takes a turn when he meets Jane (Wrenn Schmidt), a young woman who enters the confessional booth one morning. Her confessions, made without belief in God, deeply unsettle Daniel and lead him into a spiritual and emotional journey. Throughout the film, Daniel grapples with a growing inner conflict between his religious duties and human emotions.

Themes

Faith and Personal Quest

The film portrays a religious figure struggling not only with doctrine but also with internal moral responsibility. Daniel's search for balance between his loyalty to God and his inclination toward human love forms the thematic core of the narrative.

Clerical Life and Individual Freedom

The Good Catholic draws attention to the hierarchical structure of the Catholic Church and how an individual navigates their own identity within that framework. Daniel’s transformation is more than a romantic journey—it’s a path to spiritual awakening.

Dialogue and Reflection

Jane’s character, though non-believing, is deeply inquisitive. Her questions prompt Daniel to re-evaluate his own faith. The film presents theology through a casual, everyday lens, emphasizing the potential for dialogue between religion and the individual.

Cast

• Zachary Spicer – Father Daniel
• Wrenn Schmidt – Jane
• Danny Glover – Father Victor
• John C. McGinley – Father Ollie

Production

Director Paul Shoulberg wrote the screenplay based on inspiration from his own father. The film was shot in Bloomington, Indiana, and produced on an independent film budget. Funded by Pigasus Pictures, the film is known for its character-driven storytelling and reliance on internal dialogue rather than action.

Release and Awards

The film was screened at various independent film festivals in 2017 and garnered attention, particularly at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. The Good Catholic won the Panavision Award for Best Feature Film at the 2017 Santa Barbara International Film Festival.