Immaculate – Film Review

The horror genre has a brand new feisty scream queen and her name is Sydney Sweeney. As Cecilia, Sweeney delivers an absolutely phenomenal performance unlike anything you’ll ever see in the horror genre. It’s the kind of performance that one-hundred-percent commands the screen and refuses to let go. Sweeney is no veteran to acting, obviously. She is widely known for her work in the hit series Euphoria and recently found success with last year’s syrupy-sweet rom-com Anyone But You, where she shined. I’ve always found Sweeney to be an exceptionally talented actress but after watching Immaculate, it’s clear that she’s one of the best actresses working today. This is the kind of performance that needs to be nominated for an Oscar next year.

Directed by Michael Mohan and penned by Andrew Lobel, this film seamlessly melds a traditional religious setting with the modern thirst for horror that thrives on intellectual stimulation as much as it does on the visceral. At its core, Immaculate is an enthralling narrative revolving around Sister Cecilia, portrayed with haunting vulnerability by Sydney Sweeney, whose journey into the heart of a secluded Italian convent reveals a nightmare clad in religious garb.

From its opening scene, Immaculate sets a harrowing tone with a desperate escape attempt, instantly pulling the audience into a vortex of suspense that never lets go. You instantly get a sense that something incredibly sinister is lurking underneath the surface, and because this opening scene is so well done, you’re immediately pulled into this world and you’re excited to see where the rest of the story goes. The world in Immaculate feels so lived-in and dirty in all the best ways.

Álvaro Morte’s Father Sal Tedeschi is equally compelling, with Morte delivering a chilling performance as a man whose devotion to science and religion blurs the line between savior and madman. The dynamic between Sweeney and Morte is electrifying, weaving a narrative tapestry that is as intellectually engaging as it is terrifying.

The supporting cast, including Benedetta Porcaroli’s enigmatic Sister Gwen, Dora Romano’s formidable Mother Superior, and Giorgio Colangeli’s Cardinal Franco Merola, enrich the narrative with layers of intrigue and deception. Each character is intricately drawn, adding depth and complexity to the unfolding horror, while Simona Tabasco’s Sister Mary provides a harrowing glimpse into the ultimate fate that awaits those who dare to defy the convent’s sinister agenda.

Andrew Lobel’s screenplay is a masterclass in suspenseful storytelling, merging theological debate with horror in a way that challenges the audience’s perceptions of faith, redemption, and sacrifice. The script’s exploration of the darker facets of human nature, intertwined with religious iconography and the corrupting influence of power, makes Immaculate not only a film to be experienced but also pondered deeply.

Director Michael Mohan deserves acclaim for his visionary approach, crafting a film that is as aesthetically beautiful as it is narratively compelling. The picturesque Italian convent, with its serene landscapes and ancient architecture, contrasts sharply with the dark, twisted secrets that lie within its walls. Mohan’s adept handling of the film’s pacing ensures that the tension is relentless, with each revelation more horrifying than the last.

The cinematography, led by the unbelievably talented Elisha Christian, captures the haunting beauty of the setting while also enhancing the film’s oppressive atmosphere. Each frame is meticulously composed, balancing the light of Cecilia’s dwindling faith against the encroaching shadows of the convent’s malevolent presence. The score, composed by Will Bates, further elevates the film, with its haunting melodies underscoring the tension and terror that permeate every scene.

It’s also a film that, without a doubt, contains one of the most white-knuckled and intense endings I’ve ever seen in the history of cinema. The final few frames in particular are absolutely chilling and the images that are shown at the end will forever be burned into my memory.

Immaculate is a masterpiece of psychological horror, a film that transcends the boundaries of the genre to explore the depths of human depravity and the resilience of the human spirit. With its compelling narrative, exceptional performances, and meticulous craftsmanship, it is a film that not only entertains but also challenges, making it a must-watch for aficionados of the genre and cinephiles alike. With Immaculate, Mohan and Lobel have crafted a film that is, in every sense, immaculately conceived and executed. Sydney Sweeney delivers an Oscar-worthy performance that tops it all off.