What to Know About before the Blockbusters: Revisit Jon Bernthal and Tom Holland in Pilgrimage
In the current landscape of 2026 cinema, few names carry as much weight as Jon Bernthal and Tom Holland. Both actors have cemented their status as A-list stars through massive commercial successes like Spider-Man: Brand New Day and Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey. While these recent projects have captured global attention, dedicated fans of the duo may want to look back nine years to their first onscreen collaboration in the gritty historical epic Pilgrimage.
A Brutal Medieval Journey
Set against the backdrop of medieval Ireland, Pilgrimage follows a small group of monks tasked with transporting a sacred relic to Rome. The journey is fraught with danger, as the group is pursued by warriors intent on seizing the relic for political gain. Among the pursuers is the malevolent Raymond de Merville, played by Richard Armitage. To protect their mission, the monks rely on a mysterious, mute warrior portrayed by Bernthal, whose formidable fighting skills become their only hope for survival.
Themes of Faith and Violence
Director Brendan Muldowney crafted the film as a meditation on the nature of faith and the lengths to which people will go to defend their beliefs. Muldowney noted that the themes of the film were deeply personal, reflecting his own upbringing in a society where the church held significant influence. The narrative explores the tension between the monks’ genuine devotion and the cynical, power-hungry motivations of those seeking to weaponize the relic for the King of England.
The film is notable for its unflinching approach to violence. Much of the tension is carried by Bernthal, who delivers a powerful performance despite having almost no dialogue. He relies entirely on physical presence and facial expressions to convey rage and contemplation. Holland, playing the young Brother Diarmuid, offers a nuanced performance that highlights his early range as an actor. His character’s evolving relationship with his faith serves as the emotional anchor for the story.
Why It Matters Now
For audiences who have only recently discovered the chemistry between these two performers in their current blockbuster roles, Pilgrimage offers a fascinating glimpse into their earlier work. It is a stark, atmospheric departure from the high-budget spectacles they are known for today. The film showcases a raw intensity that helped define their respective trajectories in Hollywood. With the movie currently available to stream, it provides a perfect opportunity for viewers to appreciate the foundational work of two of today’s most compelling actors.
Source: Collider
