Cast
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Virginie Efira
as Sister Benedetta Carlini
Charlotte Rampling
as Sister Felicita
Daphné Patakia
as Bartolomea
Lambert Wilson
as Nuncio
Olivier Rabourdin
as Alfonso Cecchi
Louise Chevillotte
as Sister Christina
Hervé Pierre
as Paolo Ricordati
Clotilde Courau
as Midea Carlini
David Clavel
as Giuliano Carlini
Guilaine Londez
as Sister Jacopa
Gaëlle Jeantet
as Sister Petra
Justine Bachelet
as Sister Juliana
Lauriane Riquet
as Sister Roasanna
Eléna Plonka
as Young Benedetta
Héloïse Bresc
as Christina enfant
Crew
Director
- Paul Verhoeven
Producer
- Jérôme Seydoux
- Saïd Ben Saïd
- Michel Merkt
Reviews
CinemaSerf
After living in a nunnery in Pescia since her youth, "Benedetta" (Virginie Efira) has visions that lead her to believe that she is speaking directly to Jesus. A somewhat sceptical Mother Superior (Charlotte Rampling) and her fellow nun "Christina" (Louise Cevillotte) have doubts, but those are not shared by an all-too-willing clergy and soon the young woman is the new Abbess. Simultaneously, the nunnery takes in the young "Bartolomea" (Daphne Patakia) from a torrid and violent relationship with her father and the two women become fast friends - with benefits! When the erstwhile Abbess flees to seek the intervention of the Papal Nuncio (Lambert Wilson) the full power of the church now confronts "Benedetta" - is she really a conduit from their Saviour, or is she no more than a fraud with "bestial" tendencies? The film looks stunning, the attention to the detail is excellent and Paul Verhoeven manages to delicately weave a story that demonstrates just how naive and gullible folks were in the 17th century; how fearful they were of god - and more importantly, the church and he uses the symbolism of the stigmata and of the crown of thorns to illustrate successfully the profound nature of deeply-held attitudes held by a largely ignorant, superstitious, population - especially as the plague approaches their city. It is based in fact, so the ending has limited scope for jeopardy; but Efira is superb in the role as are Cevilotte and Rampling - whose position as the story develops becomes quite an intriguing tightrope act. Sex features prominently, but none of it is gratuitous or seamy - it seems perfectly natural until used as a means of torture (and not in any kinky way!). Was she a charlatan? I know what I think...
Apr 23, 2022
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Benedetta examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Paul Verhoeven brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2021, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Benedetta took approximately 26 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $24.4 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 131 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 183 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 11 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2021, when this film is released:
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Benedetta shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Torrey Pines, which focuses more on action than character development, Benedetta subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Brother and Sister and The Little Witch explore similar territory, Benedetta stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: July 9, 2021
- Runtime: 2h 11m
- Budget: $24,350,000
- Revenue: $2,652,725
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