Overall, I very much enjoyed this movie. It is a character study and so it will move slowly for some people. The mood of the movie is well placed with the dreary, snowbound hometown. I felt that the main characters were well played by two talented actors. I think that Chandler Massey and Shane Coffey both gave strong performances, and the other actors also gave very good performances, especially Tracey Fairaway in a pivotal role.

In terms of the narrative, the story might have been stronger with a bit more depth on the impact the family tragedy had on the brothers. Both Massey and Coffey did a great job facing-off against each other and I think some more insight into that angst might have made the climactic showdown more intense. Additionally, as Daniel struggles with his commitment, some additional scenes highlighting that might have made a stronger story. However, I understand the limits on the story narrative that are sometimes necessary in a movie.

As a Catholic, I understand why one or two scenes could be perceived as anti-Catholic. However, the overall story arc allows for other honest interpretations.

On the whole, I appreciated the movie and it not being "Hollywood" cookie-cutter. Independent films such as this one help movie viewers to see great new talent and a different telling of a story. I will look for Chandler Massey and Shane Coffey in other movies to come.

While the overall story line may be compelling and have it's value, I really don't understand why these movies ALWAYS portray the Catholic church in such a bad light AND don't even take the time to have some authenticity in what they portray. DEACONS CANNOT SAY MASS, only a priest can do that. Something any idiot could figure out if they just bothered to ask.

Do not be swayed by the positive reviews, I'd bet good money they're written by the filmmakers themselves and their friends and family members. Nothing about this film is original.

The plot is one which has been used countless times - man, or woman, returns home after years away, reconnects with family members and or/friends which causes problems and threatens the new life he or she has chosen and in due course they are forced to face up to events and or issues they have been avoiding. Using a well used plot wouldn't be a problem if writer/director Michael McGuire had something new or insightful to bring to the table but sadly he does not. Everything, from the middle American frozen small town setting, to protagonist Daniel's journey is broadly signposted and predictable.

Daniel who is training to become a priest is in town to stand in for the incumbent father who is ill with cancer. Two seconds after his arrival we learn his brother, Jake from whom he is estranged, also lives in town and that there is a third brother who turns out to have died young. Predictably, Jake is a wastrel who sells weed, drinks, swears profusely and doesn't believe in God. Daniel is forced to make contact with Jake by parishioners who can't trust a priest who would turn his back on his family. Of course it's not long before Daniel is smoking weed, being arrested for driving without a license, attending wild parties and lusting after a local girl while being egged on by Jacob who accuses him of hiding behind the priesthood rather than facing up his feelings of guilt about their brother Chris' death. This of course horrifies the parishioners leaving Daniel's future as a priest in question.

Chandler Massey who plays Daniel and Shane Coffey who plays Jake try their best but are given very little to play with. The dialogue is painfully clunky, particularly Daniel's attempts to explain his faith and vocation and Jake's summations as to why Daniel decided to become a priest and director Michael McGuire fails miserably when it comes to making us care if Daniel and Jake will make up, if Jake gets his life together or if Daniel faces up to his feelings of guilt and is honest with himself about who he is and what he really wants out of life.