The Rosary Murders

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The Rosary Murders

R

Released Aug 28, 1987

1h 44m

Mystery & Thriller

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4 Reviews

40%

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500+ Ratings

Detroit is plagued by a series of murders of priests and nuns, with each victim found holding a black rosary. The police seem powerless to stop the serial killer and the Church can't protect its denizens, but when the progressive and charismatic Father Robert Koesler (Donald Sutherland) hears a confession from the murderer, he isn't sure what to do. Can he respect the Seal of Confession even if it means putting more lives, perhaps even his own, in jeopardy?

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Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

A slow-going thriller.

Rated: C+

Sep 24, 2015

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Chuck O'Leary

Fantastica Daily

Rated: 3/5

Sep 1, 2005

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Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Rated: 2/5

Aug 22, 2005

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Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat

Spirituality & Practice

Explores the dark connection between guilt, sex, and Catholicism.

Rated: 3/5

Aug 27, 2004

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Jelisije J

Not necessarily a bad film, but with a very slow paced that didnt really keep you engaged with non interesting characters that left me felt I was wasting my time with what I thought would be a promising story.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

07/17/25

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j F

Sutherland was good, and gave an insight into the burden of being a priest. But yes, slow pacing.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

05/06/24

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steve d

Too slow to be more than passable.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

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Audience Member

Well my reason for liking this movie is probably bias for a couple of reason's; however that is why I only gave the film 4 1/2 stars. I claim bias simply because 1.)I am a Detroit native 2.)I went to and graduated from Holy Redeemer High School; so you probably get the gist as to why I am obsessed with this film. The author of the book this is based on was my pastor! This movie could have gotten better attention production wise, but the plot and the sincere acting of Donald Sutherland helps tremendously. Personally I like how the motive or order that the killer carries out the killing's with goes off of the 10 Commandment's is pretty neat, I mean seriously what are the odd's that a bunch of religious people have names that are pretty close or darn near similar to the 10 Commandment's!? If you enjoy Murder/Mystery type movies you should definitely give this forgotten gem a viewing. Bonus points if you watch it during Lent/Holy Week.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/05/23

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a.l.jude p

Terribly underrated, at the plight of religious arguments are disputed.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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Audience Member

One of my favorite theological thrillers of all time. I'm not sure why people mistake this for some sort of horror film. It is a murder mystery thriller.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/17/23

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Fred Walton

Director

Donald Sutherland

Father Robert Koesler

Charles Durning

Father Ted Nabors

Josef Sommer

Lieutenant Koznicki

Belinda Bauer

Pat Lennon

James Murtaugh

Robert Javison

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Synopsis

Detroit is plagued by a series of murders of priests and nuns, with each victim found holding a black rosary. The police seem powerless to stop the serial killer and the Church can't protect its denizens, but when the progressive and charismatic Father Robert Koesler (Donald Sutherland) hears a confession from the murderer, he isn't sure what to do. Can he respect the Seal of Confession even if it means putting more lives, perhaps even his own, in jeopardy?

Director: Fred Walton
Production Co: The Samuel Goldwyn Company, First Take, Rosary Take One
Rating: R
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 28, 1987, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 7, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $1.7M
Runtime: 1h 44m
Sound Mix: Surround

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