Review of One Step Behind the Seraphim

The film tells the story of Gabriel, a teenager who wants to become a priest and enters an Orthodox theological seminary. He initially tries to adapt to the environment, but eventually realizes that the system is completely corrupt and abusive; not long after, he and three other classmates are labeled by the school board as problem students. Caught in a power struggle between an incorruptible but abusive priest and a cunning and corrupt lay teacher, the students learn that lying, stealing, manipulating and betraying are skills they must master in order to survive in the seminary. I love this movie so much.