Genre: Horror
Directed by: Michael Mohan
Starring: Sydney Sweeney, Alvaro Morte, Simona Tabasco
Release Date: March 22, 2024
Platform: Hulu
Rating: 3.5/5
“Immaculate grabs hold of its audience and refuses to let go.”
Director Michael Mohan’s Immaculate invites audiences into a seemingly saintly, yet sinister world. The film, starring, Sydney Sweeney, follows the journey of a devout young woman deeply entrenched in her faith. Upon the closure of her Michigan parish, Cecilia (Sweeney) receives an invitation to an illustrious convent nestled in the Italian countryside. Marveling at the picturesque surroundings, Cecelia can’t help but wonder why her presence is met with such overwhelming gratitude from those around her.
From its initial scene, Immaculate grabs hold of its audience and refuses to let go. The Italian convent serves as a beautiful, yet foreboding backdrop, setting the tone for the dark and horrifying secrets that lurk within the convent’s walls. Mohan’s skillful direction, coupled with stunning cinematography, creates a visually striking film that gives view to Cecilia’s increasingly unsettling new life. After her vows and a few too many glasses of wine, Cecilia’s nightmare begins. How exactly does a virgin nun become pregnant?
Sweeney’s portrayal of Cecilia is exceptional in her ability to convey extreme emotions. The third act of the movie being particularly noteworthy, in its representation of a woman in a truly gruesome situation. However, there are instances in the beginning where Sweeney’s performance feels slightly lacking in subtilty. Nevertheless, she truly shines in the latter part of the film, delivering a powerful performance and a scream that shakes the audience to its core.
One of the most surprising aspects of Immaculate is its level of gore. The extent of its graphic content may catch some viewers off guard, but this element of the film adds a visceral layer of horror that enhances the overall experience. The film’s use of sound is particularly effective, heightening the tension and delivering well-timed jump scares that leave a lasting impact.
Despite being categorized as a horror film, Immaculate leans more towards the thriller and mystery genres for a heavy portion of its runtime. It’s not until the final act that the true horror of the story is fully unleashed, leaving audiences with a shocking and unsettling conclusion.
One of the film’s weaknesses is in its twist. The twist adds an interesting layer to the narrative, but feels slightly underdeveloped, leaving the audience with more questions than answers. A deeper exploration of this twist could have elevated the film further, adding more depth to its already intriguing storyline.
Reminiscent of classics, like Rosemary’s Baby and The Omen, Immaculate is a religious horror we will be talking about for years to come. The film is a gripping and visually striking film that delivers a compelling blend of horror, thriller and mystery elements. Sydney Sweeney’s standout performance, coupled with Mohan’s direction, makes this a must-see for fans of the genre. While the film’s gore and twist may not be for everyone, those who enjoy a good jump scare will find plenty to love.
Editor Side Note: This film reminds us of the importance of learning a language when moving to another country.
