“The Vessel” is a movie about a village’s need for hope. Filmed on location in Puerto Rico, a man named Leo (Lucas Quintana) miraculously survives a drowning accident, and the people of the village see him as God’s “vessel” or messenger. They need hope. A tidal wave recently destroyed their school, and their children and a woman’s husband died. Leo’s brother died, too, and his mother has not been the same since his death. The local priest, Father Douglas (Martin Sheen), is trying to rekindle hope. However, when it looks like Leo loses faith, too, the priest begins to pack up his bag to leave town. Is it too late for a miracle to happen and for hope to be renewed?
The film is slow moving in a few spots but does portray the poverty and hopelessness of the village, along with their need of a renewed hope. The conclusion is quite good. Sadly, the use of strong language, specifically by the priest, prevents us from awarding the film our Dove Seal.