A young American woman named Cecilia travels to a prestigious convent in Italy to become a nun. However, her religious pursuit takes a shocking turn when she discovers that she is pregnant despite having taken a vow of chastity. But this revelation isn’t the only secret hiding behind the congregation’s walls.
Starring Sydney Sweeney, Immaculate manages to subvert expectations of what a supernatural or psychological religious horror would deliver while maintaining a tightly wound plot. The film starts with a frightening cold open, which sets the tone for the rest of the story.
Throughout the film, tension builds delicately, with a few jump scares sprinkled through visuals and sound. However, the film mainly focuses on the eerie mystery that Sweeney’s character begins to investigate.
She delivers an outstanding performance in the role, with her guttural screams echoing through the theater. Especially on the heels of the romantic comedy Anyone but You and superhero disaster Madame Web, it was a nice change to see her in an ominous film. There’s a scene at the end where the camera stays tight on her, and it’s so incredibly unnerving. And it all just proves she has what it takes to be a “Scream Queen”.
Sweeney is supported by Álvaro Morte as Father Sal Tedeschi, a leader at the convent, and Benedetta Porcaroli as Sister Gwen, a new friend to Cecilia. Both give great performances as the film progresses, taking their characters in unexpected directions.
Apart from stellar performance, the movie also features exceptional visuals that enhance both the religious and atmospheric tone. One of my favorite shots is a moment that imitates depictions of the Virgin Mary as Sweeney’s character begins to shut down and question everything.
Overall, the film leaves things open for the viewer to interpret, which might not be everyone’s cup of tea. However, I found it to be a great conversation starter after the credits rolled. The screenwriter, Andrew Lobel, and director, Michael Mohan, maintain this ambiguity in the story’s progress and camera angles. The final scene is particularly thought-provoking and leaves a lot to the audience’s imagination, resulting in lingering questions — in the best way.
Immaculate is an enthralling and well-crafted horror movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Although the explanation can be a little complicated, it is redeemed by the rest of the film. It is also very timely for a horror movie to address the issue of women’s reproductive freedom being threatened. With superb acting and mesmerizing visuals, the film provides an engaging experience that will linger with you long after it is over, leaving you to interpret and unravel its meanings.
Immaculate is in theaters March 22
Jordy Reviews It 
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