Consecration is a 2023 supernatural horror-thriller film directed by Christopher Smith from a script he co-wrote with Laurie Cook, and starring Jena Malone, Danny Huston and Janet Suzman. Shot in Scotland on the Isle of Skye, the film was released in the United States on 10 February 2023 and in the United Kingdom on 16 June 2025.
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Synopsis
An English woman arrives at a convent on the Isle of Skye looking to find out the truth about her priest brother's death, but discovers that he was himself also a suspect in a murder investigation. The protagonist had powers as a child, with no recollection of her past. After learning of her brother's death she travels to Scotland to uncover the secrets the convent is keeping.
Cast
Jena Malone as Dr. Grace Fario
Daisy Allen as young Grace
Danny Huston as Father Romero
Janet Suzman as Mother Superior
Thoren Ferguson as DCI Officer Harris
Eilidh Fisher as Sister Meg
Alexandra Lewis as Sister Beth
Jolade Obasola as Sister Matilda
Will Keen as Dr. John Holmes, Grace's friend
Steffan Cennydd as Michael Fario, Grace's younger brother
Kit Rakusen as young Michael
Ian Pirie as Vincent Fario, Grace's abusive adoptive father
Shaun Scott as Father Carol
Production
The project was first reported in Variety in July 2021 with a shooting schedule set for later that summer, and an aim to pitch the film to sellers at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival. In October 2021, Jena Malone, Danny Huston and Janet Suzman were cast.
The film was produced by AGC Studios, produced by Xavier Marchand of Moonriver Content, Jason Newmark of Newscope Films and Laurie Cook of Bigscope Films who was also co-writer. It was financed by AGC with additional financing by Sherborne Capital. Smith told Entertainment Weekly he was inspired to make the film by due to his inherent fascination with all denominations of religion apparent strange essence saying "I'm never more spooked out than if I walk into a church or a temple. I wanted to make a movie about religion but do it seriously."
Principal photography took place in October 2021 in London and Scotland.
Release
IFC Films distributed the film theatrically in the United States with Shudder having the first streaming window. Consecration was released on February 10, 2023, in the United States; followed by a March 3, 2023 release on VOD and a May 19, 2023 release on Shudder. The film was screened at the Glasgow Film Festival on March 11, 2023, but was not released in the United Kingdom until 16 June 2025.
Reception
On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 42% of 65 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 5.1/10. The website's consensus reads: "Despite being blessed with Jena Malone in the lead, Consecration serves up Catholic-themed horror that's far more hoary than hallowed." Metacritic gave the film a weighted average score of 41 out of 100, based on 14 critics, indicating "mixed or average" reviews.
