About Benedetta

Released in 2021, "Benedetta" is a biographical drama film directed by Paul Verhoeven. The film is based on the non-fiction book "Immodest Acts: The Life of a Lesbian Nun in Renaissance Italy" by Judith C. Brown. The story is set in the 17th-century Catholic Italy, where the protagonist Benedetta Carlini - a nun reportedly experiences religious visions and displays stigmata, drawing attention and controversy.

Plot Summary

The movie centers around Benedetta, a young nun in an Italian convent. When she joins the convent, she begins to have vivid religious and erotic visions. Benedetta becomes a revered figure within the church and her visions are perceived as miracles. Meanwhile, a relationship blooms between Benedetta and another nun, Bartolomea. This relationship, along with her influence in the church, arouses suspicion among the convent leadership leading to serious consequences.

Making / Production

Directed by Paul Verhoeven and co-written by Verhoeven and David Birke, "Benedetta" is a French-language film that took four years to complete. Originally set for a 2019 release, the film was pushed back due to Verhoeven undergoing hip surgery. Cooperatively produced by SBS Productions and Pathé, the film was mostly shot in Italy.

Actors

• Virginie Efira as Benedetta Carlini: A versatile actress who played Benedetta with depth, displaying a blend of religious zeal, vulnerability, and audacity.
• Daphne Patakia as Bartolomea: Patakia portrayed Bartolomea, Benedetta's lover, infusing complexities of emotional and physical attachment.
• Charlotte Rampling as Abbess Felicita: Rampling gives a compelling performance as the suspicious and stern nun overseeing the convent.
• Lambert Wilson as The Nuncio: Wilson portrayed the Vatican's representative, wrestling between belief in Benedetta's visions and Church protocols.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film is based on the book "Immodest Acts," which itself is based on real 17th-century transcripts of a lesbian nun's trial in Italy.
• "Benedetta" is Paul Verhoeven's third film to be presented in competition at the Cannes Film Festival.

Quotes

• "Without faith, we are nothing."
• "I am but a simple nun. I am here only to pray, that is my life."
• "God has given you a special grace, Benedetta."

Music, Soundtrack

• Music by: Anne Dudley
• "Venite Exultemus Domino" - performed by the choir of the film
• "O Maria Mater Pia" - performed by Virginie Efira

Awards

As of the assistant's knowledge cutoff in September 2021, no awards have been won by "Benedetta". However, it was an official selection at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival.