Benedetta

A Paul Verhoeven movie about nuns? Do I need to say more? Well, perhaps. Of course, we get our fair share of nude nuns minus, in this instance, those big guns and a copious amount of sex and violence but this is no cheap exploitation picture even if it is unlikely to recieve the Vatican's Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval. Verhoeven's "Benedetta" doesn't just sail close to the wind but to Christians, and to Catholics in particular, is positively sacrilegious.

It's the story of a nun, Benedetta, in 17th century Tuscany, (Virginie Efria), whose devotion, first to the Virgin Mary and then to Jesus, takes, shall we say, somewhat extreme forms. As a 'Bride of Christ' Benedetta sees him not just as a vision but very much in the flesh and tends to take her wifely duties literally though she is also inclined to dally in her more earthly sphere with another nun, (Daphne Patakia). Naturally, this leads Benedetta into all sorts of trouble with the Church authorities.

Verhoeven tends to take all of this fairly seriously though the nudity, the violence, the visions and the swearing do add to a sense of jocularity as well. It's certainly a terrific looking picture with a real sense of period and without the sex and violence it could fit quite easily into the category of 'religious epic'.

There's a lot here we've seen before but equally there is a lot that is both new and shocking but shocking in a very Verhoevenian kind of way. Even at its most serious I kept feeling his tongue was lodged very firmly in his cheek, certainly by the time we move into the territory of "The Devils" and "The Exorcist". The one member of the cast who seems to know exactly what is intended is Charlotte Rampling as the Mother Superior and once again Rampling simply walks off with the picture. Unfortunately, in the version I saw, the subtitling was very poor, even to the extent of distorting the meaning. What is certain is that "Benedetta" is no 'Sound of Music' and this is one nun's story unlikely to be shown in the convent anytime soon.

It's hard to tell if this movie is trying to be realistic while implying some messages on religious hypocrisy, delusion and desires, or if it's just trying to be a fantasy, or even satirical. But it's definitely compelling, exciting and entertaining. It's provocative, crazy and might be annoying to some. Lead performance is solid.

Benedetta is a take on a real life story about a young woman in the middle ages who believes so wholeheartedly in Jezus and the love of God, that around her, mysterious stuff happens. What follows is a film that does not shy away from both controversy and visceral body action, while all the time, keeping the mystery alive, and occasionally even poking great fun at the subject.

Benedetta is put in the House of God with nuns and priests who do not really seem to believe in the divine themselves, setting up for conflict in religion and faith. This being a Verhoeven film, we get to see everything, including sex between nuns, which is not really a spoiler, since it made the film instantly infamous.

For a Verhoeven film, the sex and violence is actually mild, which isn't to say it's not prominent. But it's the underlying story that makes it truly interesting: how does a woman with such devotion, love and sex appeal, fair in the horridly abusive culture of the Church in the middle ages? Does she overcome it? And is she truly blessed by God or not?

I'll leave that for you to discover yourself. I will say without giving anything away, that the acting and directing is done with ferocious passion and conviction, that the film covers all emotions and feels accurate in its depiction of this historic woman her life.

Again, Verhoeven delivers.

The basic virtue of film is its high realism. Sure, exposed with the tools of Paul Verhoeven. A film about faith, power, manipulation, survive, leadership and a splendid portrait of counter reformation atmosphere, from innocence to faith as refuge , from the discover of lust to the dark side of a person appartaining to one world.

The second virtue can be the impecable work of Charlotte Rampling as Mother Felicita.

Not the less, the performance of Daphne Patakia , remembering, at the first look, Rosalinda Celentano in the Passion Of Christ, mixing wildness and profound innocence, lovely simplicity and fears .

About Virginia Efira , her beauty seems for me the basic tool to build the character. I do not ignore the performance but the beauty represents just the axis for give a fair portrait of Beneditta.

The statue of Holy Virgin was, I admitt, a serious motif to be scandalized . But, in same measure, I see its use as a portrait of lost of the innocence of childhood.

I am conscient than I saw this film as Greek Orthodox Christian . The Catholic world, in so many stories, is discovered in this film almost scene by scene. That is the reason for who I admired its realism. Because it is a panel with so familiar pieces defining, sure, in popular mind, Catholicism.

A beautiful film, having as sin the not most inspired construction of visions. But, sure, the message is the significant one and the large gallery of portraits , few like Mother Jacopa being useful for remind, as delicate sketch, not comfortable truths.

At the age of 83, it is wonderful to see Paul Verhoeven mojo's still on fire after all these years. His latest offering Benedetta (2021), a provocative lesbian affair in a 17th-century nunnery set amidst the bubonic plague is more than erotic drama as Verhoeven manages to mix dogmas of faith & superstition in the narrative. It definitely lives up to its billing as one of his best film, exceptionally well made all around and stays true to form throughout. Along the way, it has a true and sad story to tell, but it is an entertaining film with funny characters and Jesus Christ cameo with a sword-slinging fight sequence. The film might feel inconsistent in its satire on the Catholic Church but it definitely hits hard where it counts. The best is in the 2nd half, there is an intriguing balance between the satire and the obscene, waddling constantly between the two, with wild moments.

The film has few shortcomings, but they are completely outweighed by its main advantage - cinematography, soundtrack and the wacky screenplay. On the acting side we have a stable interpretive work of all those involved, but the one who stands out the most is Virginie Efirahas, some of the best acting of the year.

Overall, 'Benedetta' is an Paul Verhoeven movie at its best. It is a mischievous film in the very spirit of Ken Russell's The Devils (1971) and Nunsploitation classics. It might feel off-putting before becoming entertaining and it succeeds in doing this in all aspects.