Lamb of God

"Lamb of God" is a 2015 Argentine drama film directed by Fernando Spiner. The story revolves around the life of a retired Catholic bishop, Emilio Valli (played by Antonio Birabent), who has been living in exile in Switzerland after a tumultuous past in Argentina. Valli's decision to flee the country resulted from his criticism of the country's corrupt government and the Catholic Church's complicity in it. The movie centers around Emilio's 77-year-old life, marked by his solitude, loss, and the weight of his own conscience. His daughter, Lucia, has been living abroad for many years, but a phone call from her father brings her back to Argentina. Lucia's arrival is preceded by a kidnapping, as if foreshadowing the complexities of her father's complicated life. Emilio's abductor demands to meet him in Buenos Aires, where Lucia is forced to accompany him. As they make their way back to the Argentine capital, Lucia confronts her own demons, as the memories of her childhood and her complicated relationship with her father resurface. Lucia's return to Argentina also marks a homecoming of sorts, as she reconnects with the country of her birth. However, this nostalgia is intertwined with the painful reminders of her father's past and the country's troubled history. Upon their arrival in Buenos Aires, Emilio and Lucia visit his former residence, a poignant reminder of his complicated life. Lucia begins to unravel the truth behind her father's past, including his involvement in the Dirty War, a period of state-sponsored violence, torture, and disappearances during Argentina's military dictatorship in the late 1970s and early 1980s. As Lucia delves deeper into her father's past, she confronts the consequences of his actions, including the people who were affected by his decisions. The weight of her father's guilt and his involvement in the country's turbulent history begins to bear down on Lucia. Through her journey, the movie raises questions about the role of the Church in Argentina's troubled past and the personal cost of standing up for justice. The movie also explores the theme of redemption, as Emilio attempts to come to terms with his past and find a measure of peace. His relationships with Lucia and his abductor serve as a catalyst for this reconciliation. However, the complexity of his circumstances means that redemption is not an easy or simple process. The title "Lamb of God" is a reference to Emilio's nickname, given to him due to his strong social justice stance and his willingness to speak truth to power. This nickname also serves as a metaphor for the complexities of Emilio's character, as he grapples with his own guilt and the consequences of his actions. Through the movie, Spiner sheds light on a pivotal moment in Argentine history, one marked by violence, repression, and social unrest. Ultimately, "Lamb of God" is a powerful and moving exploration of the human condition, as Lucia navigates the complex history and legacy of her father's life. It is a film that challenges viewers to confront the darkness of the past and the complexities of human nature.