Lilies (1996)

In the cold confines of a Québec prison in 1952, Bishop Jean Bilodeau finds himself trapped in a confessional, poised to receive the last confession of an inmate. The inmate, Simon Doucette, was once his closest friend, and together with the prison's chaplain, he orchestrates a dramatic play enacted by the hardened criminals around them. This is no ordinary confession, but a haunting morality play that peels back the layers of their shared past. The play transports them to the pivotal year of 1912, when both Bilodeau and Simon were bright young students at a Catholic boys school. Their lives were intertwined, a bond threatened by the dawning reality of Simon's love for another student, Vallier. Vallier, the son of an eccentric countess, was open about his affection for Simon, but societal pressures and fear of his father's reprisal led Simon to court Lydie-Anne, a captivating visitor from Paris. Simon's plan was to escape the small town with her once they were married. The unfolding play reveals the complex intersections of love, fear, and betrayal that shaped their lives. Vallier, emboldened by his mother's encouragement, crashes Simon's engagement party to confess his undying love for him. As the narrative unfolds, Bilodeau's role as the cautious observer comes under scrutiny, revealing his intricate involvement in the events that led to Simon's imprisonment. Through this mesmerizing performance, the inmates force the bishop to confront his past actions. The narrative is a powerful exploration of unrequited love, the repression of true identity, and the heavy toll of societal expectations. The movie Lilies is a journey into the past, a labyrinth of secrets and lies, where the line between the villain and the victim blurs. As the curtain falls, viewers are left to question: What role did the watchful Bilodeau really play in this tragic tale?

Lilies is a drama movie featuring Brent Carver.

Lilies is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Xumo Play.