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David DiCerto (Catholic News Service) says the movie is "an engaging medieval whodunit. Like the medieval mystery dramas it depicts, the film uses narrative storytelling to discuss abstract theological concepts like good and evil, faith and doubt, fate and free will. In addition to posing profound philosophical questions, the film explores the power of popular entertainment … to influence an audience and the idea of art as a conduit for truth."

In the mainstream press, opinions come in all shapes and sizes, but Roger Ebert and Richard Roeper both gave it "thumbs up" on their show.

Chris Monroe (Christian Spotlight) says The Reckoning (which Film Forum covered last week) "honors truth, justice and authentic faith in God." Highlighting the character of the conscience-driven priest, Monroe says, "Nicholas can be interpreted as a kind of Christ-figure in this film. Obviously, he is not perfect like Jesus, but after his reform, he does things that exemplify Christ—including sacrifice. This film … does not shelter from depicting the ugliness of sin, but it does not do so without bringing about something fully redemptive."

Steve Lansingh (The Film Forum) disagrees. He says the medieval murder mystery "is described as a story of redemption. Therefore, I expected at least one of the following to take place: 1) the guilty party would confess his crime before his accusers, 2) he would express his penitence to them, 3) he would ask forgiveness of them, 4) he would attempt to make whatever restitution was possible, or 5) he would submit to justice for his wrongdoing." Apparently, none of these things take place in the movie. "In the end it doesn't amount to much."

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