It’s intriguing to consider what Dominic Guard might have experienced acting alongside Richard Burton in such a deceptive and attractive character. Any apprehension or sense of being overwhelmed seems completely hidden, as he delivers an excellent portrayal of the young student "Benjie." His teacher, "Fr. Goddard" (Burton), is depicted as someone with deep religious convictions but little patience for or engagement with his pupils. A scheme unfolds where the former intends to unsettle the latter by fabricating a confession, confident that this secret must remain buried. The priest accepts this at face value, looking into it and confirming it’s a prank. However, he soon finds himself facing an ongoing stream of increasingly disturbing confessions, and after uncovering some truth in one of them, his grasp on reality begins to weaken. The story progresses steadily, with strong performances from the two leads and David Bradley as the somewhat obsessive-compulsive "Arthur," generating a palpable feeling of suspense. The final moments provide a rather harsh and surprising sequence of developments. Burton is completely absorbed in his part, and while perhaps slightly over the top at times, he still manages to collaborate effectively with the younger actors to build a gripping drama. The storyline also examines the idea of unquestioning belief—even when well-meaning—and prompts reflection on the advantages and disadvantages of faith-based schooling.

Source on TMDB