156. Benedetta; movie review

 

BENEDETTA

Cert 18

132 mins

BBFC advice: Contains sexual violence, strong sex, nudity, bloody violence

Nunploitation? Yes, there is lots of nudity and plenty of grisly scenes in Paul Verhoeven's Benedetta but it is also utterly enthralling.

This is based on a true story of a nun who claimed to have been visited by Jesus and was seen to have stigmata in her hands and feet.

This led to scepticism but her undoing was actually down to her lesbian affair with a fellow sister.

The impressive Virginie Efira portrays the title role with a combination of simmering passion and wily political ambition.

She finds herself falling for a beautiful novice (Daphne Patakia) with a chequered history and also butting heads with her convent's mother superior (Charlotte Rampling).

Rampling's character is wonderfully intransigent. She is leading dedication to God but is equally adept at exploiting business opportunities.

However, she is completely destabilised when Benedetta's conversations with Jesus are hailed as a miracle.

Meanwhile, the plague which has been sweeping through Europe nears the convent's town of Pescia.

Verhoeven's movie engrosses because of the way power ebbs and flows among the protagonists.

I loved that doubt persists throughout over whether Benedetta's claims were real or simply made up as part of Machiavellian scheming.

Her love affair is erotic but is also the trigger for tension over the fear of discovery.

And then there is the brutality of the church which emerges as the film progresses.

Benedetta also looks great - the atmosphere of a very dangerous time is conjured with great effectiveness.

Did I say I thought it was a cracker? Well, it is.

PS Were nuns really that beautiful in the 17th century?

Reasons to watch: Riveting medieval thriller

Reasons to avoid: Its cruelty

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: Yes

Nudity: Yes

Overall rating: 9/10

Did you know? The labour of her mother was very difficult, painful and dangerous both for her and her daughter and because both  survived, her father decided to name the girl Benedetta—meaning "blessed"—and dedicate her to God's service. 

The final word. Paul Verhoeven: "The church was horrible for hundreds of years. The idea that two women using an instrument in sexual encounters were burned at the stake? How can you imagine such diabolical thinking?" Indie Wire

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