Religious-themed horror isn’t typically my cup of tea. Whether one believes or not doesn’t wholly determine the impact of a scary movie, but a certain degree of faith can heighten the terror. Without it, such films often feel like mere explorations of intriguing settings, to put it somewhat humorously. Thus, when a film like Immaculate opts not to dwell too deeply on religious themes, I find it rather refreshing. Coupled with a compelling central performance and some unexpectedly intense moments, fans of the genre should find much to enjoy.
Immaculate flirts with some intriguing concepts, but at its core, it leans heavily on gore, jump scares, and showcasing a scream queen. It doesn’t reinvent the horror wheel, though it does utilize its convent setting in a slightly unconventional manner. Primarily, it serves as a platform for its star, and in that aspect, it largely succeeds.
Sister Cecilia (played by Sydney Sweeney) arrives at My Lady of Sorrows in the Italian countryside following the closure of her parish in Michigan. The convent serves as a home for elderly sisters in their final days, cared for by younger women. Initially welcomed by Father Sal Tedeschi (Álvaro Morte) and befriended by Sister Gwen (Benedetta Porcaroli), Cecilia faces hostility from some others. However, her situation takes a drastic turn when she begins experiencing mysterious sickness in the mornings.
Father Sal, delighted at the possibility of an immaculate conception, treats Cecilia with special reverence, essentially designating her to care for her impending virgin birth. But as events unfold, Cecilia realizes something isn’t right, especially when she’s denied the opportunity to seek medical help off-site. As the body count rises, Cecilia proves to be far more resilient than the convent had anticipated, leading to a climactic finale that promises to leave audiences talking.
Sydney Sweeney shines as a scream queen in Immaculate. While she has delved into dark material before, this film showcases a new level of intensity from her. As Cecilia’s capabilities come to light, Sweeney’s performance truly comes alive, demonstrating her considerable star power. While Álvaro Morte and Benedetta Porcaroli deliver solid performances, this is undoubtedly Sweeney’s show. The supporting cast, including Giulia Heathfield Di Renzi, Giampiero Judica, Dora Romano, and Simona Tabasco, also contribute effectively to her orbit.
Director Michael Mohan, reuniting with Sweeney after The Voyeurs, handles the material with skill, though the direction doesn’t offer many surprises, given the convent’s almost clichéd atmosphere. However, the gore is effectively executed, and despite occasional flirtations with silliness in the script by Andrew Lobel, the film manages to maintain its grip on the audience’s attention. Particularly commendable is the restraint shown in the final moments, opting for a memorable conclusion over gratuitous gore.
Immaculate is primarily a showcase for Sydney Sweeney, but it stands as a reasonably successful horror film even without her. With its gnarly gore, impactful ending, and Sweeney’s standout performance, it’s a treat for fans of the genre. Those seeking a showcase for a scream queen will be particularly pleased, but even for others, it’s definitely worth a watch, provided expectations are kept in check.
