Abel Ferrara’s latest film, Padre Pio, might’ve flown under the radar if it weren’t for one aspect: star Shia LaBeouf. The always-controversial actor is attempting yet another comeback after a slew of negative headlines, and he has been vocal about the film playing a key role in his recovery. Well, makes sense, considering the drama is about the titular Italian saint, one of the most venerated figures in all of Catholicism. Pretty good dude to draw inspiration from.
The film was directed and co-written by Ferrara, who is best known for Bad Lieutenant and King of New York. But the draw here is LaBeouf who plays Padre Pio a young Italian priest marked with stigmata, as he fights to overcome his personal demons while helping struggling villagers following WWI.
Joining LaBeouf are Cristina Chiriac, Marco Leonardi, Asia Argento, Vincenzo Crea, Luca Lionello, Brando Pacitto, Stella Mastrantonio, and Salvatore Ruocco.
Padre Pio opens in theaters on June 2nd.
SYNOPSIS: In this powerful drama directed by acclaimed filmmaker Abel Ferrara, a young priest, Padre Pio (Shia LaBeouf), begins his ministry at a remote Capuchin monastery in Italy’s San Giovanni Rotondo. WWI has ended and Italian soldiers — broken but victorious — are returning to the impoverished village ruled by wealthy land owners. As events surrounding the first free election in Italy threaten to tear the village apart, Padre Pio struggles with his own personal demons, ultimately emerging from his spiritual anguish to become one of Catholicism’s most venerated figures.
