Martin Taylor, a brash young vagabond, shows up at the home of Tom Bates, a London writer of hymns and evangelical prayers. He convinces Mrs. Bates, a deeply religious woman, that he was once in love with their daughter Patricia, who is now bed-ridden following a hit-and-run accident. Martin offers to help nurse the brain-damaged young woman. The intruder's presence in the household eventually brings out several terrible secrets.
Dennis (Pennies from Heaven) Potter's Pinteresque screenplay explores the strange interface between sex and religion — a theme that is given several new twists here. Sting (former lead singer of Police) plays Martin Taylor with a dash of phony charm and laser-crisp malevolence. Joan Plowright makes the most of the character of Mumsie, an unappreciated middle-aged woman who is stir crazy from caring for her daughter. And Denholm Elliott is outstanding as the bitter Mr. Bates, a former believer whose libido is the cause of much inward pain and guilt. Brimstone and Treacle is recommended only for those who are looking for a macabre movie experience.