According to Matthew

According to Matthew is a 1942 British psychological thriller film directed by David MacDonald, based on the real case of Matthew Mackay and his accomplice, Florence Freeman, who conspired to murder two wives in the small town of St Albans in Hertfordshire, England. The film's narrative is a fictionalized account of the events, drawing from the true crime story but also taking creative liberties to enhance the storytelling. The story revolves around a highly respected local priest, played by Frederick Valk, who leads a seemingly virtuous life in the small town of St Albans. However, beneath the surface of his public persona lies a dark secret. He becomes embroiled in a clandestine affair with a woman named Florence, played by Patricia Hayes, who is unhappily married to a rather unlikable man named William. The priest, driven by lust and an ambition to rise through the ranks of the Anglican Church, forms a toxic relationship with Florence, who is desperate to escape her loveless marriage. As the story unfolds, the priest and Florence concoct a devious plan to poison Florence's husband, with the ultimate goal of securing the priest's promotion within the Church. In order to eliminate the priest's own wife, who stands in the way of his aspirations, they devise a clever ruse to make the crime appear as a tragic accident. The priest becomes increasingly obsessive and calculating in his pursuit of power and his desires for Florence, disregarding the welfare of others, including his own daughter, who becomes deeply entangled in the dark secrets he seeks to keep hidden. Throughout the film, MacDonald skillfully weaves a complex web of deceit, weaving together intricate plot twists and turns as the sinister intentions of the priest become increasingly exposed. Meanwhile, the quiet and unassuming town of St Albans begins to unravel, revealing the darkness that lies just beneath its tranquil surface. The performances of the cast, particularly Patricia Hayes, who plays the role of the troubled and envious Florence, are noteworthy in bringing depth and nuance to the film's characters. Hayes brings a sense of desperation and passion to the role, capturing the tragic desperation of Florence and her tragic desire to break free from her miserable marriage. Frederick Valk, as the duplicitous priest, gives a chilling performance that effectively conveys the gravity of his crimes and the destruction he unleashes. The direction of MacDonald adds to the tension, maintaining a sense of foreboding that grows with the unfolding of the plot. The cinematography also contributes significantly to the film's atmosphere, capturing the quaint yet foreboding landscape of St Albans, where darkness lurks beneath the surface. Overall, According to Matthew is a gripping thriller that explores the darker aspects of human nature, highlighting the destructive power of ambition, desire, and the toxic consequences of secrets kept hidden. The film offers a gripping narrative, coupled with powerful performances and a sense of foreboding tension, which culminates in a shocking and dramatic conclusion that leaves the audience reeling.