Man of God

Yelena Popovic's 2021 film recounts the life of Nektarios of Aegina, venerated as a saint in the Orthodox church. The story of a man removed from his post as bishop in Alexandria over accusations made against him, and left in poverty for years, is built on his refusal to defend himself. The film is openly a faith-centred production and draws its dramatic tension from institutional injustice: the hierarchy never corrects its error. Aris Servetalis's restrained performance goes some way to keeping it out of the easy exaltation of a saint's story. Mickey Rourke's brief appearance does not sit within the film. The narrative is episodic and the pace slow; it does not attempt a bridge between believer and non-believer. Who it's for: viewers interested in religious biography and the Orthodox tradition. Who it's not for: anyone wanting critical distance, or who will find a slow-paced narrative dull.