The annulment process provides the unusual courtroom setting for the romantic drama. While the movie's Catholic values are strong, they come filtered through some faulty film-making.
Divorced musician Joe pursues a decree of nullity so that he can wed his devout girlfriend, Emily. But his case requires the testimony of his estranged former band-mate and best friend, Tony.
Tony was once Emily's boyfriend, and still carries a torch for her while also harbouring resentment against Joe for stepping into his shoes after he and Emily split. But Tony has firsthand knowledge of the fact that Joe's ex, Jessie, disdained the permanence of marriage as well as the prospect of having kids.
Joe's cause is represented by Emily's father, Ben, and opposed by the tribunals' "defender of the bond," Michael. Both men are permanent deacons.
Religious themes, including the counter-cultural message that sex before marriage is a damaging mistake as well as a sin -- Tony's seduction of Emily was the eventual cause of their breakup -- will resonate with viewers of faith. But sometimes sub-par acting, an amateurish musical score and unlikely plot developments chip away at this small-scale project's credibility.
Still, the good intentions motivating screenwriter and director are as obvious as they are honourable. And moviegoers used to being immersed in the loose morals of contemporary society will find the earnest ethics surrounding this love triangle a refreshing change.
In that light, at least some parents may consider "The Tribunal" acceptable for older teens.
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