In Your Hands 2004

Anna is a theology graduate keen to get out into the world. Although it is rare for someone fresh from training to be given the position of prison chaplain, Anna’s determination gets her the job. The women in the prison are diffident about faith – is there a place for redemption when you’ve committed dreadful acts and are now paying for your crimes in a horrible place? The word is, though, that a withdrawn young prisoner named Kate, who won’t talk about what she’s in for, can perform miracles – she has healing hands – and can ‘see’ things. The prison psychologist is dismissive: ‘We don’t call them miracles, but speed psychoses.’ But the inmates’ faith in Kate’s dark powers is to have a deeply unsettling effect on Anna. Dogme filmmaking, with its inherent sense of realism and naturalism, creates a credible atmosphere with strong emotional impact. The performances are terrific. Trust, faith, empathy, superstition and revenge come under review as the film continues to its tough conclusion. — SR