Pilgrimage

Pilgrimage is a 2017 historical action drama directed by Brendan Muldowney and set in 13th-century Ireland during a time of religious fervor, political conflict, and brutal warfare. The film stars Tom Holland, Jon Bernthal, and Richard Armitage in a gritty, slow-burning tale about faith, violence, and loyalty. With a raw and unflinching tone, Pilgrimage explores how sacred beliefs can both unite and divide — often with devastating consequences.

The story follows a small group of Irish monks assigned to escort a holy relic — believed to be a stone from the martyrdom of Saint Matthias — to Rome. The relic is said to possess divine power, and the mission is viewed as critical for the church’s political leverage in the wider world. Among the monks are Brother Diarmuid (Tom Holland), a young, inexperienced novice, and a mute lay-brother known only as “The Mute” (Jon Bernthal), whose violent past contrasts sharply with his current vow of silence and repentance.

As the group makes its treacherous journey through war-torn Irish lands, they encounter hostile clans, Norman invaders, and shifting allegiances. The already dangerous terrain becomes even more deadly when they meet Raymond de Merville (Richard Armitage), a power-hungry Norman commander who sees the relic not as a sacred object, but as a tool for political gain. What begins as a religious mission quickly devolves into a brutal fight for survival — testing the faith, morality, and convictions of every man involved.

One of the film’s most compelling aspects is its moral ambiguity. Pilgrimage does not idealize its protagonists. Each character is flawed, and their motivations are complex. Tom Holland delivers a quietly powerful performance as Brother Diarmuid, who is forced to confront his beliefs in the face of unspeakable violence. Jon Bernthal, in one of his most haunting roles, brings an intense physicality and emotional depth to The Mute — a man trying to atone for past sins while grappling with the need to protect those around him. Richard Armitage plays a convincing antagonist, embodying the ruthless ambition of military power under the guise of religious duty.

Visually, the film is stark and atmospheric. The Irish landscapes are captured in all their wild beauty and harshness, enhancing the isolation and tension of the journey. The battle scenes are raw and realistic, often shocking in their brutality. Muldowney’s direction avoids glossy action tropes in favor of a grounded, gritty realism that heightens the stakes and underscores the film’s themes.

At its core, Pilgrimage is not just a story of a journey, but a meditation on the nature of belief. It questions whether divine purpose can truly justify violence, and whether faith can survive when confronted with cruelty and betrayal. The film offers no easy answers, and its ending is both somber and thought-provoking.

In conclusion, Pilgrimage is a gripping, character-driven drama that blends historical realism with intense action and philosophical depth. It’s a brutal, uncompromising look at a dark chapter in history, told through the eyes of men caught between the sacred and the savage.