By the Grace of God 2019

Alexandre Guérin, a prosperous banking executive residing in the beautiful Lyon region, is depicted as a devoted husband and father of five, deeply entrenched in his Catholic faith, which is shared by his loving family. However, following a conversation with a former scouting companion, he is suddenly thrust into a whirlwind of distressing memories that force him to confront the horrific sexual abuse he experienced at the hands of a pedophile priest, Father Bernard Preynat. Although the statute of limitations has rendered the events officially obsolete, anguish compels Alexandre to embark on a quest for truth and justice.

In his pursuit, Alexandre reaches out to Régine Maire, a psychologist associated with the archbishop, and successfully arranges a meeting with Cardinal Philippe Barbarin, the Archbishop of Lyon. What he uncovers is deeply troubling; despite multiple warnings from concerned parents, the Church has persistently chosen to conceal the misconduct. A striking encounter is mediated by Régine Maire between Alexandre and Father Preynat, which culminates in an almost surreal joint prayer, illustrating the complexity of their shared ordeal. Despite Alexandre’s relentless inquiries and numerous emails, ecclesiastical authorities repeatedly defer taking action. The disturbing realization dawns on Guérin when he witnesses Father Preynat continuing his ministry, still interacting with young individuals during a church mass.

Frustrated in his search for other victims willing to come forward, Guérin resolves to file a complaint on his own. During this process, he meets Captain Courteau, who is actively seeking other victims whose claims have not yet exceeded the legal timeframe. This connection leads him to François, an atheist deeply affected by his own experiences. Together, they form the association “La Parole Libérée,” which gains traction as other victims, including surgeon Gilles and the emotionally scarred Emmanuel, join their cause. United by shared suffering, they collectively embark on a legal battle against their abuser.

As external pressures mount, and with increasing encouragement from Régine Maire, Cardinal Philippe Barbarin reluctantly holds a press conference. However, his tactless remark that the incidents are “thank God prescribed” sends shockwaves through the audience, exemplifying the distressing complexities surrounding their plight. The association ultimately succeeds in indicting Father Preynat, who openly admits to his actions, providing a glimmer of hope for the plaintiffs wishing to challenge the power of the Catholic hierarchy. Yet, this journey is not without immense personal toll—each individual must grapple not only with their harrowing pasts but also with their familial relationships and personal beliefs. As the tumultuous road unfolds, Alexandre wrestles with the foundations of his Christian faith, leaving him to ponder the profound implications of his experiences.