Benedetta
2021
***½
Director: Paul Verhoeven
Cast: Virginie Efira, Charlotte Rampling, Daphné Patakia, Lambert Wilson, Olivier Rabourdin, Louise Chevillotte, Hervé Pierre, Clotilde Courau
In 17th-century Italy, nun Benedetta begins to experience mystical and physically devastating visions of Jesus. At the same time, she is sexually attracted to Bartolomea, a young and abused peasant woman who takes refuge in the convent. Paul Verhoeven is no stranger to courting controversy, so a story about a lesbian nun sounds like right up his alley. However, his fact-based story turns out to be an intriguing historical drama and compelling character portrait, which doesn't take a stand on whether Benedetta is a true mystic or just a con artist. Based on Immodest Acts: The Life of a Lesbian Nun in Renaissance Italy by Judith C. Brown.
