There have been many a horror movie related to the Catholic church as of late. Whether it is a film about nuns or exorcisms or just praying with a rosary, we have been inundated with holy ghosts and evil priests. I’m not complaining, and I was raised Catholic.
Immaculate follows Cecilia as she moves to a remote convent in Italy to take her vows as a nun. She hasn’t learned Italian, so she relies on others to translate the language to her. When she mysteriously ends up pregnant even though she is a virgin, she realizes that the convent is not what it seems and something, or someone, more sinister is at play.
This film has a whole lot to say about consent and forced pregnancy. It does not shy away from Cecilia forcefully saying she does not want to have the child, and having her will go ignored by the men and fellow nuns around her. She is tied to a bed and a wheelchair, making escape impossible. The people in charge aren’t above body mutilation to keep her there either.
It also has a lot to say about religious fanaticism. About how distorting the word of God to suit your own will and needs is never a good thing, especially if you are in a position of power.
It doesn’t stop there. Genetic testing and in vitro fertilization are front and center once the full plot is revealed. Combine a fanatical priest with a scientific background and put him in a remote location with a bunch of women trying to do the will of God, and you’ve got yourself one hell of a horror movie.
Sydney Sweeney is great as Cecilia. Contrary to her previous roles, there is no sensuality here. Just a young woman who wants to become a nun. By the end, she is much like Mia Farrow’s Rosemary. Pregnant with something unimaginable and the people around her see her only as a vessel. A carrier of the next coming of whatever abominable creation the priest has made. Cecilia, however, does not come to love the baby. Her and Rosemary differ in that regard.
Four out of five stars for this is one of the better forays into Catholic lore.
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Becky Tyler Art and Photography 
There have been many a horror movie related to the Catholic church as of late. Whether it is a film about nuns or exorcisms or just praying with a rosary, we have been inundated with holy ghosts and evil priests. I’m not complaining, and I was raised Catholic.
Immaculate follows Cecilia as she moves to a remote convent in Italy to take her vows as a nun. She hasn’t learned Italian, so she relies on others to translate the language to her. When she mysteriously ends up pregnant even though she is a virgin, she realizes that the convent is not what it seems and something, or someone, more sinister is at play.
This film has a whole lot to say about consent and forced pregnancy. It does not shy away from Cecilia forcefully saying she does not want to have the child, and having her will go ignored by the men and fellow nuns around her. She is tied to a bed and a wheelchair, making escape impossible. The people in charge aren’t above body mutilation to keep her there either.
It also has a lot to say about religious fanaticism. About how distorting the word of God to suit your own will and needs is never a good thing, especially if you are in a position of power.
It doesn’t stop there. Genetic testing and in vitro fertilization are front and center once the full plot is revealed. Combine a fanatical priest with a scientific background and put him in a remote location with a bunch of women trying to do the will of God, and you’ve got yourself one hell of a horror movie.
Sydney Sweeney is great as Cecilia. Contrary to her previous roles, there is no sensuality here. Just a young woman who wants to become a nun. By the end, she is much like Mia Farrow’s Rosemary. Pregnant with something unimaginable and the people around her see her only as a vessel. A carrier of the next coming of whatever abominable creation the priest has made. Cecilia, however, does not come to love the baby. Her and Rosemary differ in that regard.
Four out of five stars for this is one of the better forays into Catholic lore.
Discover more from Becky Tyler Art and Photography
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
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