A Holy Terror By Sydney Sweeney || Movie Review

This movie is a psychological horror that is set in an Italian convent. At first, I didn't really want to watch this movie, but when I saw those involved with the production and the lead actor, I decided to go for it with an open mind without any expectation of good performance. Now, I can say, this movie left me with a gory memory that I will be remembering from now on once in a while.

The movie / TV show of Sydney Sweeney I have watched was ’The Handmaid's Tale series’ and ’Reality Winner (2023) movie’. In both films, Sydney was the spotlight and I am not surprised that she also stole the spotlight in this movie. From what I know, Sydney is one of the producers of this movie and if she continues like this, she will one day, soon produce a blockbuster or a masterpiece.

’Immaculate (2024)’ is a psychological horror that was distributed by neon. It was also directed by Michael Mohan and written by Andrew Lobel. The plot revolves around a young American nun of devout faith who travels to a remote Italian convent but her stay there later dissolves into a traumatic nightmare. This movie starred Sydney Sweeney, Álvaro Morte, Benedetta Porcaroli, Dora Romano, Giorgio Colangeli, and Simona Tabasco.

Cecila, a young American nun of devout faith travels down to a remote Italian convent by the countryside. She was invited by Father Sal Tedeschi to join the convent so as to assist tending to dying nuns in their last days. When she got to the convent, she was immediately inducted as nun by taking her vows.

So Cecila, gets acquainted with sis Gwen as she continues her stay in the convent, but later on, she discovers some certain oddities amongst the routines, administration and in the convent’s environment. Also, she learns that the convent is in possession of a Holy Nail relic that was taken from the cross on which Jesus was crucified.

Few weeks later, Cecila discovered she was pregnant. This news was shocking to her because she came to the convent as a virgin and has never had any sexual encounter with any man. However, the convent were happy with her pregnancy and they all started to treat her at the next virgin Mary with a miracle child. How did Cecila come to be with a child? Who is responsible for this heinous act?

My Review And Rating

This horror movie was supposed to go in one direction, but later ended up going in an unexpected direction which I enjoyed to be honest. The beginning was scary and heart gripping but then as the movie progressed it got worse. I say, this directorial style of misdirection was an excellent idea.

I love how this movie was directed and I think Michael Mohan did an excellent job. The pacing of the movie was a specific and deliberate one. Mohan made sure the atmosphere was creepy, dark and gray. This enabled him to deliver the unexpected jump scares in the movie with impact. However, in the third act, the movie picks up pace and then it becomes a rollercoaster ride with gore.

The plot of this movie was well-developed and written. All the characters were well built, especially the main character. I enjoyed the tension, mystery, twist and also the horrific scenes. Also, I love that through the plot, history and culture of Catholicism was present and obvious. The scene arrangements were excellent regardless of the fact that some scenes have been portrayed many times in horror, it still came with its own unique impact.

The cast was good but Sydney as Cecila shines. I particularly enjoyed Cecilia's character transformation. From a young woman to a woman who has been traumatized and is fighting for her life. There was this emotional vulnerability to Cecilia's character which felt real and relatable. Her performance was exceptional. I was rooting for her all through the movie.

Father Sal Tedeschi's character lacked authenticity, I couldn't really connect with his character and he was easily forgettable until he surfaces for his scenes. His performance lacked memorable impact.

The cinematography was fine and good. The jump scares, kills, blood splatter, and gore were all properly filmed with meticulous precision. The corpses were well designed in a creepy way. Also, the birthing scene at the ending was one of the best I have seen in horror films. It was felt that you might probably watch it with one eye closed.

I enjoyed this movie more than i expected. The ending of this movie left me shocked and with more questions. Sydney made this movie watchable and entertaining.

Rating this movie, I will give it 7 out of 10 stars. It was good. Very graphic and gory. It is a fantastic psychological horror with lots of twists and turns. If you can stomach bloody scenes and horror, then this movie is for you.