With such a touchy subject intertwined with its story, it risked quickly becoming propagandistic.

Instead,Citizen Sainttreats the sensitive subject with the subtlety it deserves.

After supposedly performing miracles, he was tortured, crucified, and left hanging over the mountain.

A still from Citizen Saint.

Image via Karlovy Vary International Film Festival

After three days, his body turned to stone.

Furthermore, villagers come from afar to offer sacrifices to the statue.

YetCitizen Saintis not only interesting for shedding light on this phenomenon.

A still from Citizen Saint.

Image via Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.

Additionally, the movie also grapples with how faith thrives in mystery.

The doors are locked and the security seals around the building remain unbroken.

It’s harder to admit being a sinner when you are no longer speaking with a statue.

And since the man has divine powers, what stops him from reading the sinners' minds?

The slow burn nature ofCitizen Saint, together with its black-and-white cinematography, might scare away some viewers.

Rating:B

Citizen Sainthad its world premiere at 2023s Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.