The horror film “Immaculate,” released May 30, stars actress Sydney Sweeney as a nun. However, this is another recent film that presents the figure of nuns in a horror context.
In fact, nuns have long been figures of great interest in cinema. Several films of different genres have used nuns to explore themes beyond religious ones.
In fact, there is also a specific subgenre that explores the figure and iconography of nuns: Nunsploitation. This controversial subgenre, which gained greater prominence in the 1970s, featured stories involving nuns, often addressing themes of repressed sexuality, sadomasochism, criticism of the Church, and historical events involving the abuse of religious power.
Taking inspiration from this, we decided to list 10 films that have nuns at the center of the story.
Nuns: the 10 best films
Based on a true story, “Benedetta” is loosely adapted from the nonfiction book “Immodest Acts: The Life of a Lesbian Nun in Renaissance Italy” by Judith C. Brown. The film is directed by cult director Paul Verhoeven (“Robocop”).
The plot follows Benedetta (Virginie Efira), a nun who has visions of Jesus Christ and develops a romantic relationship with another sister, Bartolomea (Daphné Patakia). The cast also includes Charlotte Rampling.
Based on the novel by Kathryn Hulme, “A Cross on the Edge” is a drama directed by Fred Zinnemann. Actress Audrey Hepburn plays the nun Luke/Gabrielle Van Der Mal.
The plot follows Gabrielle, a young Belgian family who enters a convent to become a nun. The film depicts her internal and external struggles as she tries to adjust to religious life.
The comedy “Change of Habit” features Whoopi Goldberg in an outstanding performance, which was very successful upon its release. The actress plays Deloris, a nightclub singer who, after watching her mobster boyfriend (Harvey Keitel) commit murder, is placed in a witness protection program.
However, she is sent to hide in a convent and disguise herself as a nun. Maggie Smith is also in the cast.
The film has a sequel: “Mudança de Hábito 2 – De Volta ao Convento”, from 1993, also available on Disney+.
Written and directed by the famous Pedro Almodóvar, “Maus Hábitos” is a Spanish comedy. The film features acid humor regarding religious themes.
In the plot, a nightclub singer seeks refuge in a convent after witnessing her boyfriend die of an overdose. However, in the convent there is a lesbian and drug-addicted mother superior, as well as other nuns with behaviors that deviate from conventional ones.
Based on the novel of the same name by Rumer Godden, “Black Narcissus” is an acclaimed British psychological drama with a strong visual component. The film is directed by the duo Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger (“The Red Shoes”).
The film stars Deborah Kerr, Sabu, David Farrar, Flora Robson, Esmond Knight, Jean Simmons and Kathleen Byron.
The plot follows a group of Anglican nuns, led by Sister Clodagh (Kerr), in a small convent in the Himalayas. They attempt to establish a school and hospital in a remote abandoned building. However, some nuns begin to deal with desires, temptations and repressed tensions.
A Spanish production, “Sister Death”, is a supernatural horror film. The film is directed by Paco Plaza, co-creator of the “REC” zombie film series. It is also a prequel to the 2017 film “Verônica”.
The film is set in Spain in the 1940s. The plot follows a novice with supernatural powers (Aria Bedmar). She arrives as a teacher in a convent that serves as a school for girls. However, the place hides terrible secrets and the beginner experiences paranormal experiences.
Prequel to “The Prophecy” (1976), “The First Prophecy” is a supernatural horror film well received by specialized critics. The film stars Nell Tiger Free, Tawfeek Barhom, Ralph Ineson and Bill Nighy. The cast also includes Brazilian actress Sônia Braga.
In the plot, an American novice (Tiger Free) is invited to travel to Rome to complete her vocation. There, she is assigned to take care of a troubled young girl. However, she uncovers a sinister conspiracy to bring about the birth of the Antichrist.
Based on the novel by Denis Diderot, “The Religious” is a drama directed by the famous director and critic Jacques Rivette. Anna Karina stars in the film, playing Suzanne, a young woman forced to become a nun against her will.
The plot follows Suzanne, who dislikes religious life and experiences extreme unhappiness. She suffers at the hands of her superior mothers – the sadism of one and the sexual harassment of another – throughout her journey.
A spin-off of the “Conjuring” series, this is another supernatural horror film that uses the figure of nuns.
The film stars Taissa Farmiga, Demián Bichir and Jonas Bloquet. Bonnie Aarons plays the Demon Nun. In the plot, a priest and a novice investigate the suicide of a nun.
The film has a sequel: “The Nun 2”, from 2023, also available on Max streaming.
The Polish horror drama film “Mother Joan of the Angels” is directed by Jerzy Kawalerowicz. The film is based on the novel “Matka Joanna od Aniołów” by Jarosław Iwaszkiewicz, which in turn is inspired by real historical events that occurred in Loudun, France, in the 17th century.
In the plot, a priest goes to a remote convent to investigate a possible case of possession. The Mother Superior and many other nuns are believed to have suffered demonic possession.
The 10 best films about nuns, from horror to comedy, appeared first on Olhar Digital.
Source: Olhar Digital
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
