Perfect Obedience (2014): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2014, Perfect Obedience is a drama film directed by Luis Urquiza, running about 90 minutes. “The story that shook the church” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. The fictional Father Ángel de la Cruz is based on Legion of Christ founder Marcial Maciel, whose long history of child abuse was not addressed until 2006 and only publicly acknowledged in 2009. But director Luis Urquiza chooses to structure his film through the largely uncomprehending, wondering eyes of 13-year-old Julián, who travels from the arms of his loving pastoral family into the austere, hallowed halls of the seminary. Singling out the boy as his intimate disciple, installing him in his palatial private quarters and redubbing him “Sacramento Santos,” Father Ángel begins Julian’s instruction into the mysteries of “perfect obedience,” whose cardinal rule is: Never question a superior’s actions.

Who’s in it. Perfect Obedience stars Juan Manuel Bernal as Padre Ángel de la Cruz, Alfonso Herrera as Julián Santos (Adulto), Luis Ernesto Franco as Padre Robles and Sebastián Aguirre as Julián 'Sacramento' Santos, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.7/10, Perfect Obedience has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. In US you can rent or buy it from Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Perfect Obedience page.

If you liked it. Fans of Perfect Obedience tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.