Director: Mickey Reece
Year: 2021
Country: USA
Alternate Titles: N/A
Genre: Nunsploitation; Supernatural
Plot:
Following a series of strange outbursts, a disgraced priest and his young friend are sent to investigate the stories of demonic possession plaguing a remote convent but when the incidents cause one of the nuns to leave the convent and start her life over the events of that day still weigh on her.
Review:
This was a rather enjoyable low-key genre effort. Among the more impressive elements in the film is also a potentially troubling one in the stripped-down, minimalist approach here. Generally more concerned with endless dialogue conversations that spread the idea of the trouble in the convent as much as the visual cues that would clue someone into the potential of what's happening, that one manages the rare feat of giving an interest to the conversations taking place. With the two going back-and-forth together about the possible outcomes in their quest, the religious implications of their faith-based profession, and their backstories impacting the real reason for the visit alongside the numerous conversations between the nuns about what's happening to the possessed in their clergy, it has plenty to like with the stripped-down, conversation-heavy approach.
When the film moves into more obvious and overt horror territory, there's quite a lot to like here. The initial scene of the outburst she throws signaling that something might be going on with her friend that includes all the usual associations with the genre including swearing viciously, countless religious blasphemies being uttered at anyone that will listen, and spastic body contortions that are supposedly impossible for a person to accomplish on their own that feel rather expected but no less enjoyable. The exploits of the several exorcisms that are carried out are kept rather low-key like the conversations but it has some intriguing aspects including the physical remnants of the interactions that are rather brutal with how shockingly sudden they come off with some mild but effective gore-gags in place. Overall, these here are the films' enjoyable and positive aspects.
There are some issues here, and it is a singular point in the film that stands out. The second half of the film where it drops the convent for a drama about the friends' life after leaving is a complete tonal shift to what's happened before that it drags the film down heavily. The complete lack of anything remotely horror-related here with the film dropping the demonic possessions and religious fervor in favor of a slice-of-life drama revolving around the best friend attempting to reintegrate into society with a low-paying job, lousy apartment and a lack of social life is something that will disappoint most looking for constant thrills. Not only that, the fact that these scenes focus on the friend instead of the possessed individual of the film's title, who disappears with no resolution about her possessed state, shows a weird lack of interest in the main character, rendering a lot of it pointless. It's significant and holds this one back a lot.
Overview: **/5
While there's a lot to like here in regards to this one's horror-based output, that the majority of the film feels like a different film entirely with a drama-based focus on a different character entirely might be too much for some to take. Those who really appreciate these qualities or are fans of the creative crew might check this one out, while viewers who are taken out by the flaws on display should outright avoid and stick to other films dealing with the subject matter.
This review ran as part of our coverage of the 2021 Fantasia International Film Festival. Click the banner below to check out all of our coverage, including reviews and interviews, from the event:
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