Review Of Psychological Drama: Benedetta (2021)

The film fast forwards to when Benedetta (played by Virginie Efira) is eighteen years old where she claims to see Jesus in her visions. Abbess Felicita is reluctant to believe her. Then a young woman, Bartolomea (played by Daphne Patakia) runs into the convent, seeking sanctuary from her abusive father. Benedetta's parents are visiting that day and they pay for Bartolomea's stay in the convent. Bartolomea is taken with Benedetta and a lesbian relationship between the two begins.

As Benedetta's visions become frequent, the doctor gives her sedatives and Bartolomea offers to care for her. After a vision where Benedetta sustains the same injuries as Jesus on the cross, the church promotes her to become the mother superior while Abbess Felicita is forced to relinquish her position.

This unorthodox shift stirs revolt in the convent leading to chaos, bloodshed and deaths. Are Benedetta's visions true? What becomes of the convent as a young girl leads it?

Review

Paul Verhoeven's adaptation of Judith C. Brown's book is explicitly provocative, silly in some parts and considered blasphemous in other parts. The plot is direct and focused on so many themes at once that viewers can get lost trying to pick a stance. Benedetta fully explores themes of religion, politics in the Catholic church and sex in the convent. The pacing is well-balanced and the acting is great.

After watching, I realise that the uproar or protests were not focused on Benedetta and her relationship with the church but rather between Benedetta and Bartolomea which is against the laws of the church. The provocativeness in this film is not only sexual but also religious and it's best to watch this film with an open mind. This film depicts the power religion had over the people in the 17th century.

One part of the plot that is never resolved is the visions. Are Benedetta's visions and manifestation of Jesus in the film real or did the character make them up for selfish purposes? Viewers are left wondering throughout the two hours, ten minutes viewing time what Benedetta’s motive is. It hangs in the air of the film like an unsolvable mystery! This leads me to conclude that Benedetta was a victim of some form of mental illness or insanity right from childhood but because it was hinged on her faith, it was taken as inspired by Jesus and no one was the wiser.

As earlier pointed out, this film is explicit. I find one particular scene explicitly gross. Bartolomea, a new member of the convent asks Benedetta where the privy (toilet) is and they sit close to each other and defecate. After cleaning up with straw (ewww), they kiss! How can these characters have a romantic moment after defecating next to one another? Paul Verhoeven certainly knows how to grab his viewers' attention.

I commend the cast for an impressive and believable performance, especially Virginie Efira. The cinematography and visuals are dark and striking, showcasing a gothic style.

Overall, this film is a good watch for adults with open minds. There are no outright life lessons to be learned as it's based on a life lived in the 17th century. It's not a history lesson either so the film shouldn't be taken too seriously. One watch is enough for me though.

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^{Other images are screenshots from the movie}