Acclaimed French director François Ozon (Frantz, Potiche, L'amant Double) takes on the subject of abuse in the Catholic Church in this powerful and painstakingly well-researched drama based on true events.

Starring Melvil Poupaud, Denis Ménochet (Custody, Entebbe, Mary Magdalene) and Swann Arlaud, By The Grace Of God follows three men as they compare their personal experiences of being abused as children.

On the surface, life couldn’t be more perfect for Alexandre (Poupaud). As a member of the Lyon catholic bourgeoisie, the happily married father of five has led an exemplary life and has become a pillar of his church-going community.

However, Alexandre’s life is sent into a tailspin when he comes face to face with Father Preynat (Bernard Verley), the now elderly priest who abused him as a boy, and who seemingly is still being allowed to work with young children.

Deciding to take action against what he sees as an abuse of power by the church, Alexandre is soon joined by two other victims of the priest, François (Ménochet) and Emmanuel (Arlaud) in his quest for justice.

The three men are forced to go to great lengths to denounce their abuser and the institution that has protected him thus far.

Ozon offers a robustly acted drama which refuses to take shortcuts in the way it tells this shocking story. Interestingly, the filmmaker has opted to tell each man’s story in its own chapter in this brave but delicately-handled account.

He represents the devastating effects these vile acts can have on their victims, especially in the character of Emmanuel, who after years of substance abuse and alcoholism has also found himself stuck in a toxic relationship.

While this film might seem like an interesting departure for Ozon, who isn’t usually known for handling these sorts of subjects, there is no denying that his traditionally wordy, introspective tone is still apparent throughout.

Poupaud and Arlaud give two beautifully measured turns, but it has to be said that it’s Ménochet who impresses the most by his natural delivery.

Elsewhere, legendary actress and filmmaker Josiane Balasko (Trop Belle Pour Toi, Gazon Maudit) impresses once more as the guilt-stricken mother of one of the victims.

By The Grace Of God is above all a film that is careful to never fall into a crass sensationalist tone. It is compassionate, honest and with moments of disarming tenderness throughout.