Penance follows the story of Father Eion O'Donnell, a Catholic priest who is committed to the cause of Irish independence from Britain. He finds a willing disciple in young Antaine, whom he encourages to join the Irish Volunteers in the Easter Rising of 1916. While Antaine is initially hesitant, he is swayed by Eion's passionate rhetoric and the sense of purpose that comes with being a freedom fighter.
Fast forward five decades, and we find Antaine arriving in Derry, now a seasoned gunman with a hardened soul. As he recovers from a wound sustained in battle, he crosses paths with Eion, who is now suffering from a mental breakdown brought on by the memories of his involvement in the Easter Rising. The encounter dredges up old pain and grudges between the two men, as they confront the stark reality of the violence they once espoused.
Meanwhile, Antaine has become a corrupting influence on Feidhlim, an altar boy who is dazzled by his life of rebellion and violence. With Eion struggling to contain the demons of his past, and Antaine pushing Feidhlim further down a dark path, the stage is set for a confrontation that could have devastating consequences for all involved.
The film explores themes of political violence, the morality of armed struggle, and the psychological toll of war. With a cast that includes Peter Coonan, Terry Byrne, and Barry McGovern, Penance is a gripping and thought-provoking drama that warrants close attention.