The religious-themed horror film “Immaculate” is expected to be one of the biggest movies of the genre this year
Immaculate is a 2024 American psychological horror film directed by Michael Mohan and written by Andrew Lobel. The movie stars Sydney Sweeney, who joins Álvaro Morte, Benedetta Porcaroli, Dora Romano, Giorgio Colangeli, and Simona Tabasco. Immaculate tells the story of a devout young woman invited to dwell in an Italian convent, only to gradually unravel the harrowing secrets concealed within. Critics promise that the film will be one of the main dishes of the horror genre this year. Sydney Sweeney‘s appearance has been one of the main selling points of the film.
The movie premiered at South by Southwest on March 12, 2024, After that, Immaculate hit theaters across the United States on March 22, 2024. Although critics have had mixed reactions to the film, it has garnered a commendable box office revenue of $21 million, surpassing its $9 million budget. Release in most European countries will take place next week and the movie’s running time is 89 minutes.
Horror and religious themes intertwine in the plot of Immaculate
The storyline revolves around the story of Sister Cecilia (Sydney Sweeney). Cecilia is a devoted nun whose faith comes from a childhood close experience with death, where she was resuscitated after being declared deceased for seven minutes, a trial she interprets as divine intervention. Upon receiving an invitation from Father Sal Tedeschi (Álvaro Morte) to join an Italian convent specializing in caring for ailing nuns, Cecilia embraces her newfound calling, taking vows and adorning herself with a rosary. Critics praised Sydney Sweeney for her role as Cecilia. The Main marketing point has always been her main role as she is in the best moment of her career.
Amidst her time at the convent, Cecilia forges a bond with Sister Gwen (Benedetta Porcaroli), becoming increasingly disturbed by the mysteries she uncovers at the convent, including an elderly nun bearing cross-shaped scars on her feet. Moreover, the presence of a relic, a Holy Nail from the crucifixion of Jesus, within the chapel adds to the atmosphere of mystique and mystery. Cecilia’s story continues when she discovers she is inexplicably pregnant. For that reason the convent’s nuns herald her as the embodiment of the Virgin Mary, viewing her unborn child as a divine blessing. After that, the horror and mystery plot continues unveiling itself.
Production started back in 2014 when Sydney Sweeney auditioned for the role
The origin of the film Immaculate dates back to 2014, when Sydney Sweeney first auditioned for a role based on Andrew Lobel’s screenplay. However, the project looked like it could have been abandoned in development until Sweeney, carried by her success in the series “Euphoria,” acquired the rights to the script and enlisted Michael Mohan to helm the project. The movie drew inspiration from his Catholic upbringing. Subsequent developments saw the expansion of the cast and the shift in the storyline to better align with audience expectations. In the end, we have a horror film with a really attractive cast that could bring a lot of success.
Filming took part in the city of Rome. Concluded in February 2023. Neon secured the film’s distribution rights in December 2023, leading to its premiere at South by Southwest and subsequent nationwide release. Most countries have scheduled the European release for next week, while others will follow in the subsequent weeks.
The only consensus from critics is Sydney Sweeney’s performance
Critical reception towards Immaculate has been varied. While Sydney Sweeney‘s performance has garnered widespread acclaim, opinions on the film itself diverge. Rotten Tomatoes reports a 70% approval rating among critics, praising Sweeney’s portrayal, albeit acknowledging shortcomings in execution. Conversely, Metacritic’s aggregated score of 57 out of 100 reflects a more tempered response. Audiences polled by CinemaScore and PostTrak offer a nuanced view, with opinions ranging from middling to positive. European reviews have not arrived and they could affect and bring other perspectives to the film. We especially anticipate the review from Italian fans, as their perspective on the setting could offer intriguing insights.
In critiques, Tim Robey of The Telegraph commended Sweeney‘s performance while noting pacing issues within the narrative. Conversely, Manohla Dargis of The New York Times lauded the film as a Critic’s Pick, citing its blend of suspense and thematic depth.
Comparisons between Immaculate and another movie “The First Omen” have emerged due to shared thematic elements and setting, with both films delving into issues of female autonomy and religious hegemony. The narrative explores themes of genetic manipulation and the ethics surrounding childbirth, abortion, and infanticide, prompting discussions on social media platforms. Despite its controversial subject matter, director Mohan remains in his belief that the film serves as a catalyst for dialogue rather than a polemic. This conversation will most likely spark again in the following weeks with the European release.
Furthermore, Immaculate draws inspiration from the nunsploitation genre of the 1970s, incorporating stylistic and thematic elements reminiscent of European horror screenwriters such as Dario Argento and Lucio Fulci, underscoring its homage to the genre’s rich legacy.
Guillermo Lorenzo Manzano
