Film Review: "Benedetta" (2021).

From the director of Elle comes Benedetta. This French biographical drama film directed by Paul Verhoeven, written by Verhoeven and David Birke and loosely based on the 1986 non-fiction book Immodest Acts: The Life of a Lesbian Nun in Renaissance Italy by Judith C. Brown. In the late 17th century, with plague ravaging the land, Benedetta Carlini joins the convent in Pescia, Tuscany, as a novice. Capable from an early age of performing miracles, Benedetta’s impact on life in the community is immediate and momentous.

Following the critical and commercial success of Elle (2016), Verhoeven developed several projects, including one about Jesus based on his own book Jesus of Nazareth, another one about the French Resistance during World War II, and a third one about a medieval story set in a monastery. In late April 2017, producer Saïd Ben Saïd revealed that the third had been the one chosen as Verhoeven's next project, then titled Blessed Virgin. Gerard Soeteman was hired to adapt Brown's 1986 non-fiction book. Soeteman ultimately distanced himself from the project and had his name removed from the credits as he felt too much of the story was focused on sexuality. In late March 2018, Saïd announced that Verhoeven had penned the final draft with David Birke. In early May, it was announced that the film was retitled to Benedetta. By mid July, Virginie Efira, Charlotte Rampling, Lambert Wilson and Daphne Patakia. At the same time, principal photography commenced and wrapped in September. Filming took place throughout Italy and France. Production was followed by a strong campaign of secrecy and no one, unless working on the film, was allowed on the set. Producer Saïd Ben Saïd admitted that the story was "subject to controversy" and feared reactions from fundamentalist Catholic associations. Although the film was initially set for a 2019 Cannes Film Festival premiere, Pathé announced in mid January 2019 that the release had been postponed until 2020, stating that post-production had been delayed as Verhoeven was recovering from hip surgery. However, the release was delayed again to 2021, following the cancellation of the 2020 edition of the Cannes Film Festival where the film was set to premiere, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The film stars Efira, Rampling, Wilson and Patakia. Efira is magnificent presenting a character who is sympathetic without being a traditionally likeable person. Its a charismatic and intoxicating mix, an emotional grey area we rarely see.

A unique and vital movie that executes its problematic narrative and character work with zero timidity. Only a master craftsman like Verhoeven could be this forceful while never being reckless. This is a film to discover, and feel insulted and astonished by, all on your own. It's the most daring thing you'll see on screen this year. It's so deftly and slyly done, you can't not enjoy it even though sexuality is not a light subject to joke about. Destined to be controversial and definitely a conversation starter, the film highlights two artists at the top of their game.

Simon says Benedetta receives:

Also, see my review for Elle.