Benedetta is the latest masterpiece from acclaimed movie director Paul Verhoeven (Robocop, Total Recall, Basic Instinct, Elle). Set in plague-ridden Renaissance Italy during the 17th Century, Benedetta is based on the true-life story of a lesbian nun, first captured in Judith Brown’s 1986 biography of Sister Benedetta Carlini.
Starring Virginia Efira as Benedetta, Charlotte Rampling as Mother Superior of the convent, and Daphne Patakia as Bartolomea, Benedetta’s lesbian nun lover, we follow the nuns’ dramatic adventures in the Tuscan city of Pescia. Benedetta arrives at the convent as a young child and is left there by her parents, after a tough financial negotiation with Mother Superior. She seems to have special powers even as a child, and manages to ward off marauding bandits and survive being crushed by a falling statue. 18 years later, after growing up in the convent, Benedetta claims a very deep connection to the Almighty Lord to the extent that she considers herself the wife of Jesus Christ. The ambitious Benedetta quickly rises through the ranks of the nuns to become Mother Superior – largely as the result of experiencing a couple of controversial ‘miracles’ including the appearance of stigmata. Bartolomea, a fellow nun, and recovering abuse victim, becomes close to Benedetta and the two fall in love which is strictly against the rules of the convent. Benedetta’s miracles get challenged by another nun and their sapphic love affair gets discovered, leading to a chain of events.
The film is beautifully shot. Scene after scene begin looking like still-life renaissance paintings which then suddenly come to life. Exquisite lighting and art direction really complement great casting and scriptwriting. Verhoeven’s film is as much about the outlandishly playful details as the plot – classic Verhoeven. We see a treasured wooden figurine of the Virgin Mary with one end whittled down to become the perfect dildo; a court jester setting his farts on fire; communal shitting sessions and a vision of Christ removing his loincloth to reveal no genitalia. A parade of self-flagellating convicts and a scene where the grim reaper is burying plague victims add to the absurdity. Benedetta also has some fantastically wild dreams and visions which give Verhoeven license to go into very imaginative territory.
The film has caused upset amongst some Catholics. The Catholic group – The American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property protested outside the film’s NY premiere in September – even though the behavior of the Catholic Church in real life has been far worse than anything in this film. Verhoeven is, however, really shining a light on all human behavior with this film. Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Wrath, Envy and Pride – the Seven Deadly Sins – are all shown to be as alive and kicking in the 17th Century as they are today. Verhoeven is now 84 years old and maybe this film is his summary of human life and behavior as he has experienced it. Controversial female protagonists are also classic Verhoeven.
Violence, sex, love and madness – all with a comedic twinkle in the eye – what’s not to like? Make sure you see this film.
Benedetta is streaming on Prime Video, Vudu Movie & TV Store, Apple TV Google Play Review: Ris Fatah Queerguru Contributing Editor Ris Fatah is a successful fashion/luxury business consultant (when he can be bothered) who divides and wastes his time between London and Ibiza. He is a lover of all things queer, feminist, and human rights in general. @ris.fatah
