Immaculate: A Provocative Exploration of Religious Horror
Immaculate, a new Catholic-themed horror movie, takes a fresh approach to the genre by delving into the current decline of religious faith and the church’s history of sexual abuse. Directed by Michael Mohan, the film tells the story of Cecilia (played by Sydney Sweeney), a young woman who moves to Italy and joins a convent after her hometown parish closes down.
The movie acknowledges the decreasing influence of religion in today’s society. Even though religious horror was once a powerful force, as exemplified by the 1970s classic “The Exorcist,” the percentage of people claiming membership to a house of worship has significantly dropped in recent years. Immaculate uses this societal shift as the backdrop for Cecilia’s journey into the depths of religious horrors.
While the movie does not take a traditional possession approach, it tackles the issue of reproductive freedom by examining the patriarchal forces that seek to control it. This unconventional approach aims to provoke thought and discussion among viewers. The film draws parallels to the 2020 HBO documentary “Baby God,” which explores the disturbing practices of a fertility doctor, and poses the question of whether such actions can be considered demonically inspired.
Immaculate’s narrative centers around Cecilia’s arrival at the Our Lady of Sorrows convent, where she hopes to find her purpose and dedicate herself fully to the Church. Father Sal Tedeschi (Álvaro Morte), a former geneticist turned priest, becomes her mentor during this transformative period.
The convent itself is portrayed as a juxtaposition between cottagecore and goth aesthetics, depicting a serene yet eerie atmosphere. The sisters carry out their daily tasks against the backdrop of a green valley that conceals an ancient catacomb. Death, an integral aspect of Catholicism, is presented as a part of everyday life for the nuns. The introduction of a long iron nail, believed to be from Christ’s hand, further emphasizes the morbid nature of their faith.
As the story unfolds, Cecilia gradually becomes aware of the sinister forces at play within the convent. However, the film’s pacing is a flaw, as it takes a leisurely approach in building up tension until just before the climax. Sydney Sweeney’s portrayal of Cecilia during this period is calm and relatively uneventful, which may hinder viewer engagement. Only when the movie reaches its outrageous ending does Sweeney unleash a powerful and blood-soaked performance that captivates the audience.
Director Michael Mohan prioritizes jump scares and intense musical cues to generate fear, leaving promising elements such as the eerie setting, rising star performances, and an appreciation for horror classics underutilized. This approach may appeal to casual horror fans who enjoy immediate thrills but may not satisfy those seeking a more nuanced and thought-provoking narrative.
Drawing connections to current events and emerging trends, Immaculate raises intriguing questions about the decline of religious faith and its intersection with issues such as reproductive freedom and sexual abuse. These themes mirror societal developments and provide an opportunity for reflection on the wider implications.
Looking to the future, it is likely that horror films will continue to evolve and address societal concerns. As religious institutions grapple with diminishing influence, movies like Immaculate provide a platform for exploring the changing dynamics of faith and its impact on individuals’ lives. The genre can offer a space for deeper discussions on topics that transcend traditional religious boundaries, such as gender, power, and morality.
To stay relevant and engaging, the horror film industry must continue to push boundaries and embrace diverse perspectives. Filmmakers should explore new narrative structures and storytelling techniques to captivate audiences while offering fresh insights and perspectives. By doing so, they can challenge societal norms and ignite conversations that transcend the confines of the genre.
In conclusion, Immaculate’s unique approach to religious horror sparks conversations about the intersection of faith, personal beliefs, and societal issues. Although the film could have delved deeper into its thought-provoking themes, it serves as a stepping stone for future explorations of religion, gender, and power within the horror genre. The industry should seize this opportunity to push boundaries, embrace emerging trends, and foster meaningful discussions that captivate audiences and contribute to cultural discourse.