Paul Verhoeven’s Benedetta: A Bold Exploration of Faith, Power, and Desire
Paul Verhoeven, known for his provocative and daring filmmaking, presents Benedetta, a historical drama that blurs the lines between faith, power, and forbidden love. The film, inspired by Judith C. Brown’s Immodest Acts: The Life of a Lesbian Nun in Renaissance Italy, tells the story of Benedetta Carlini, a 17th-century nun whose religious visions and secret relationship with another nun lead to scandal and controversy.
Plot Summary
Setting: 17th-century Italy
Main Character: Benedetta Carlini (Virginie Efira)
Storyline:
- Benedetta enters a convent in Pescia, Tuscany, claiming to have divine visions.
- She develops a romantic and sexual relationship with another nun, Bartolomea (Daphné Patakia).
- As her visions become more intense, the church begins to question her authenticity.
- Abbess Felicita (Charlotte Rampling) investigates, leading to confrontations with religious authorities.
Is Benedetta a true mystic or a fraud manipulating faith for power?
Reviews & Ratings
| Reviewer | Rating | Key Takeaways |
|---|---|---|
| Rotten Tomatoes | 84% | “Thought-provoking, visually striking, and challenges religious authority.” |
| Metacritic | 73/100 | “A bold and controversial take on faith and sexuality.” |
| Empire Magazine | 4/5 | “A mix of erotic thriller and religious satire, reminiscent of Basic Instinct.” |
| The Guardian | 4/5 | “A gripping and provocative look at faith and power.” |
| Time Out | 3/5 | “Visually stunning but the satire may not work for all audiences.” |
Why Benedetta is Controversial
Explicit Content – The film’s mix of eroticism and religious themes has sparked criticism.
Religious Backlash – Some religious groups protested its release, calling it blasphemous.
Banned in Russia – The movie was not allowed to screen due to LGBTQ+ themes.
Despite the controversy, Benedetta has been praised for its bold storytelling and powerful performances.
Final Thoughts: Should You Watch It?
Watch it if you like:
- Thought-provoking dramas about faith and power.
- Bold storytelling with historical and erotic themes.
- Paul Verhoeven’s films (Basic Instinct, Elle, Showgirls).
Avoid if you dislike:
- Religious criticism & controversial themes.
- Explicit content in historical dramas.
Benedetta is a daring, provocative film that challenges religious dogma, female agency, and institutional hypocrisy.
Would you watch Benedetta? Let us know your thoughts!