Corpus Christi (2020): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot
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.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 55m (115 min)
- Director
- Jan Komasa
- Genre
- Drama
- Original language
-
Polish
- Studio
- Film Movement
- Budget
- $1.3M
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
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 Show fewer
- 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
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.
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Director Jan Komasa
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Bartosz Bielenia as Daniel -
Aleksandra Konieczna as Lidia -
Eliza Rycembel as Marta -
Leszek Lichota as Walkiewicz - the mayor
Also Starring in Corpus Christi
· 6 more- Barbara Kurzaj Ewa Kobielski - the widow
- Anna Biernacik Marta's friend
- Tomasz Zietek 'Pinczer'
- Lukasz Simlat Father Tomasz
- Zdzislaw Wardejn Priest
- Lidia Bogacz
More from Jan Komasa
More films directed by Jan Komasa, best-rated first: Corpus Christi, Anniversary, The Hater and Heel.
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).
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.
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IMDb 7.7 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 98% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 93%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 77 Metascore
User score 7.8
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 76% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 4.1 /5
567 ratings
See on Letterboxd
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
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.
Worldwide gross
$9.9M
7.6× its budget
- US & Canada
- $127.2K
- International
- $9.8M
- Budget
- $1.3M
Corpus Christi Awards & Nominations
Corpus Christi was nominated for 1 Oscar.
1 nomination1 ceremony
-
Oscars 2020 1 nomination- Nominated International Feature Film
Corpus Christi Trailers & Videos
3 videos: 2 trailers and 1 featurette.
- Trailer Official Trailer
- Featurette TIFF 2019 Crew Q&A
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
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What crime did Daniel commit before being imprisoned?
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 Show fewer
- Bí Tích Thánh Thể
- Тіло Христове
- 聖なる犯罪者
Seen Corpus Christi?
Movies Like Corpus Christi
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Corpus Christi, The Priest and The Crime of Padre Amaro.
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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