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Corpus Christi (2020): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Corpus Christi (2020) movie poster

Corpus Christi is a 2020 drama directed by Jan Komasa, starring Bartosz Bielenia as Daniel, Aleksandra Konieczna and Eliza Rycembel. It runs 1 hour 55 minutes and earned $9.9 million worldwide on a $1.3 million budget. It was nominated for 1 Oscar. Critics gave it 98% on Rotten Tomatoes and 77 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.7/10.

IMDb rating
7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes
98%
worldwide gross
$9.9M
award nomination
1
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Corpus Christi (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 55m (115 min)
Director
Jan Komasa
Genre
Drama
Original language
Polish
Budget
$1.3M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Corpus Christi About?

The premise of Corpus Christi without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

Following his release from prison, Daniel impulsively assumes the role of a priest in a small Polish village. He brings a raw and unconventional approach to his new position, seeking redemption and offering comfort to the community. However, his past as a prisoner and the villagers' skepticism create challenges as he tries to reconcile his past actions with his newfound purpose and navigate the complexities of faith and forgiveness.

Corpus Christi Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • priest
  • sex scene
  • grief
  • funeral
  • mayor
  • assumed identity
  • fake identity
  • juvenile detention center
  • male rear nudity
  • catholic church
  • catholic mass
  • mourning
+38 more
  • juvenile delinquent
  • juvenile prison
  • prison
  • punched in the face
  • fire
  • confession
  • testicles
  • woodworking
  • rape
  • fake priest
  • religious confession
  • applause in church
  • cemetery
  • youth detention centre
  • ex convict
  • pretending to be a priest
  • catholicism
  • church service
  • small town
  • sawmill
  • small town mayor
  • confessional
  • letter
  • blackmail
  • prison fight
  • woodwork
  • singing
  • breaking a plate over someone's head
  • nightclub
  • bus
  • cigarette smoking
  • lie
  • mass
  • praying
  • candle
  • death
  • party
  • violence
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Cast & crew

Corpus Christi Cast & Characters

Bartosz Bielenia leads the cast as Daniel, with Aleksandra Konieczna as Lidia and Eliza Rycembel as Marta. Directed by Jan Komasa; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Corpus Christi

· 6 more
From the director

More from Jan Komasa

More films directed by Jan Komasa, best-rated first: Corpus Christi, Anniversary, The Hater and Heel.

Full filmography
Ratings

Corpus Christi Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Corpus Christi 98% on Rotten Tomatoes and 77 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.7/10. Our Echo Score gives it 85/100, strongest in character & emotion (90) and weakest in rewatch factor (75).

85 /100

Corpus Christi Echo Score Breakdown

Corpus Christi delivers a measured and cohesive drama that balances intense thematic material with a restrained narrative approach. Critics and viewers consistently note the film’s absorbing unfolding structure and its ability to provoke thought without resorting to abrupt turns. While some find the pacing occasionally slow, the combination of strong performances and thematic depth creates a compelling spiritual drama. Overall, the film leaves a lasting impression as a thoughtful and well-crafted exploration of faith and identity.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 80

    In terms of Art & Craft, the film exhibits a restrained yet impactful visual style. Reviewers highlight the understated color palette and precise framing that support the narrative’s gradual build. Production design and location choices reinforce the small-town setting, while editing maintains a deliberate rhythm. The result is a cohesive aesthetic that underscores the story’s contemplative mood.

  • Character & Emotion 90

    When it comes to Character & Emotion, the lead performance anchors the film with profound depth. Observers praise the nuanced portrayal of inner conflict conveyed through subtle facial expressions and restrained dialogue. Supporting roles contribute to a sense of community authenticity and emotional resonance. Overall, the film offers a compelling study of identity and moral ambiguity through rich character work.

  • Story & Flow 83

    Regarding Story & Flow, the narrative unfolds with careful deliberation, balancing moments of tension with reflective beats. Audiences commend the screenplay’s unpredictability and engagement with themes of hypocrisy and redemption. Occasionally the pacing feels slow, but significant turning points—particularly the ending—provide memorable impact. The structured progression yields a thoughtful and thematically coherent drama.

  • Sensory Experience 78

    In terms of Sensory Experience, the cinematography and sound design enhance the film’s immersive quality. Viewers note the impactful use of silence and subtle ambient sound to heighten emotional moments. Visual cohesion emerges through measured lighting and color tones that reflect spiritual unease. Occasional sudden violence gains weight through restrained presentation, contributing to an effective sensory atmosphere.

  • Rewatch Factor 75

    With respect to Rewatch Factor, the film’s thematic richness encourages reflection beyond the initial viewing. Many appreciate how the ambiguous ending and moral complexity spark continued discussion. The deliberate pacing may limit casual replays, but the film’s emotional core and narrative subtleties reward subsequent viewings. Overall, it offers enduring appeal for those drawn to contemplative dramas.

Plot

Corpus Christi Plot Summary

What happens in Corpus Christi from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Daniel, a devout Catholic serving a sentence for second-degree murder, faces an uphill battle to achieve his dream of becoming a priest due to his troubling past. Upon his release, he finds himself assigned to work in a sawmill in a quaint village. In a clever twist, he feigns being a priest during visits to the local Catholic church. Surprisingly, the vicar, believing his ruse, leaves him to manage the church while he goes for medical treatment.

Full summary

The whole story of Corpus Christi, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Corpus Christi Box Office & Budget

Corpus Christi grossed $9.9 million worldwide on a $1.3 million budget, 7.6 times what it cost. $127,240 came from the US and Canada and $9.8 million (99%) from the rest of the world.

2020 box office

Worldwide gross

$9.9M

7.6× its budget

US & Canada
$127.2K
International
$9.8M
Budget
$1.3M
US & Canada 1% Rest of the world 99%
Awards

Corpus Christi Awards & Nominations

Corpus Christi was nominated for 1 Oscar.

1 nomination1 ceremony

Videos

Corpus Christi Trailers & Videos

3 videos: 2 trailers and 1 featurette.

International Trailer
  • Trailer Official Trailer
  • Featurette TIFF 2019 Crew Q&A
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Corpus Christi?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What crime did Daniel commit before being imprisoned?

Details

Corpus Christi Also Known As

15 alternative titles, including “La communion” and “성체축일”.

Also known as
  • La communion
  • 성체축일
  • 문신을 한 신부님
  • Boze Cialo
  • Boże Ciało
  • Тело Христово
  • Тяло Христово
  • 基督圣体
  • Corpus Christi - A Redenção
  • 另類神父
  • Kristaus kūnas
  • קורפוס קריסטי
+3 more
  • Bí Tích Thánh Thể
  • Тіло Христове
  • 聖なる犯罪者

Seen Corpus Christi?

FAQ

Corpus Christi FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Corpus Christi, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Corpus Christi?

Corpus Christi runs 1 hour 55 minutes (115 minutes).

When was Corpus Christi released?

Corpus Christi was released on February 19, 2020.

Who directed Corpus Christi?

Corpus Christi was directed by Jan Komasa.

More films by Jan Komasa

Who is in the cast of Corpus Christi?

Corpus Christi stars Bartosz Bielenia as Daniel, Aleksandra Konieczna as Lidia and Eliza Rycembel as Marta, among 10 credited actors.

How much did Corpus Christi make at the box office?

Corpus Christi grossed $9.9 million worldwide ($127,240 domestic, $9.8 million international) on a budget of $1.3 million.

How is Corpus Christi rated?

Corpus Christi has 7.7/10 on IMDb, 98% on Rotten Tomatoes, 77 on Metacritic and 76% on TMDB.

Was Corpus Christi nominated for any awards?

Corpus Christi received 1 nomination across 1 ceremony.

Does Corpus Christi have a post-credit scene?

No. Corpus Christi has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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