Paul Andrew Williams’ new film, “Faith,” features a performance by Erin Doherty as a young mother grappling with bereavement. The film, set in Yorkshire, explores themes of grief and healing through her interactions with a mysterious stranger played by James McAvoy. While Doherty’s performance is praised, the film’s narrative is described as increasingly unstable, culminating in a faith-based conclusion that may divide audiences.
Williams, known for a diverse filmography ranging from realism to genre storytelling, blends these impulses in “Faith,” making it his most quintessential work, though not necessarily his best. Doherty, recently Emmy-winning for “Adolescence,” is highlighted for proving her ability as a lead actress.
The film introduces Gina, a thirty-something single mother working at a confectionery factory. Simona Şuşnea’s cinematography focuses on the factory’s production line, contrasting the sweetness of the products with the hardships of Gina’s life. Her life centers around her nine-year-old son, Jamie, and her sister/best friend, Poppy.
Gina meets Michael, a teetotaler from Glasgow, at a local pub. He quickly learns details about her while revealing little about himself, and makes a cryptic remark to the babysitter, suggesting he may have second sight or some other unknown ability. The film is expected to have a higher profile than Williams’ previous feature, “Dragonfly,” due to McAvoy’s star power and a Toronto festival launch.
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