Scottish filmmaker Paul McGuigan directs The Reckoning, based on the award-winning novel Morality Play by Barry Unsworth. Set in 14th century England, the story involves a priest named Nicholas (
Paul Bettany) who leaves the church after committing adultery. He falls in with a troupe of traveling actors led by Martin (
Willem Dafoe). Nicholas joins them and attracts the attention of Martin's sister Sarah (
Gina McKee). The group ends up in a small town where a mute woman (Elvira Minguez) is accused of witchcraft and murder. Drawn to the woman, Martin suggests that the troupe re-create the events in hopes of drawing a crowd and solving the crime. Also starring
Brian Cox,
Ewen Bremner, and
Vincent Cassel. The Reckoning premiered at the Palm Springs Film Festival in 2004. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide