The Rosary Murders is a true hidden gem, a murder mystery elevated by Donald Sutherland’s charming performance as Father Robert Koesler (he would’ve been a great Frollo in an adaptation of Notre-Dame de Paris). It’s one of the few suspense/horror movies with Catholic themes that understands Catholicism and uses it well, like having the secrecy of confession as a plot point for example. The killer’s motivation is disturbing and fits the story well, and the relationship between Father Robert and Pat Lennon is a sweet element, with a dynamic akin to Barny and Léon Morrin in Léon Morrin, Prêtre. And again, Donald Sutherland just knows it’s his show and he is the best part of every scene he’s in. Underrated would be an understatement.

The Rosary Murders is a true hidden gem, a murder mystery elevated by Donald Sutherland’s charming performance as Father Robert Koesler (he would’ve been a great Frollo in an adaptation of Notre-Dame de Paris). It’s one of the few suspense/horror movies with Catholic themes that understands Catholicism and uses it well, like having the secrecy of confession as a plot point for example. The killer’s motivation is disturbing and fits the story well, and the relationship between Father Robert and Pat Lennon is a sweet element, with a dynamic akin to Barny and Léon Morrin in Léon Morrin, Prêtre. And again, Donald Sutherland just knows it’s his show and he is the best part of every scene he’s in. Underrated would be an understatement.