Cecilia is a woman filled with faith and devotion to all things relating to Jesus Christ. When she accepts a new position at a notable Italian convent, she finds it hard to settle in as some strange behaviour is aimed at her from her peers. Nevertheless, Cecilia conducts her vows in front of the entire convent, going to bed early that night and falling asleep quickly. As time passes, Cecilia has strange dreams, and she becomes suspicious of those around her. Little does she know that something more bizarre and explainable is about to occur.
When Cecilia falls unwell with vomiting, she sees a doctor who makes a massive discovery that she is pregnant. How can this be? Cecilia hasn’t been with a man before or during her stay at the convent. While some may suspect what happened to Cecilia, many claim this child is a miracle from above. As the child inside Cecilia grows, she makes more discoveries within the convent walls and begins to question if what she is experiencing is a blessing from Christ or something more sinister.
Immaculate is a horror film directed by Michael Mohan, best known for The Voyeurs (2021), which also starred Sydney Sweeney. As a horror film, I’m excited to share that this film gets many aspects right. Some of these include its story, which is different and fresh and has a fun concept. It’s also a film that begins small with its plot and festers into something bigger and more significant with a bloody, intense finale that ends with a bang.
Those who enjoy feeling uncomfortable and the horror genre will be pleased here. There are some effective jump scares and some scenes that forced me to look away. The tone and visuals are well-suited, as everything on-screen is dark and gritty. Will Bates provides a simple yet eerie film score. Performance-wise, I found myself appreciating and enjoying the work of Sydney Sweeney, as her performance feels genuine. However, some side performances let this film down at various moments, and there are some almost laughable one-liners.
Overall, Immaculate is an enjoyable horror that does get many aspects right. It’s a different and unsettling story, with an intense mystery that will keep viewers guessing while they witness some effective jump scares and disturbing scenes. Not only is the story different, but this is also a new, fresh role for actress Sydney Sweeney, who is fantastic and believable here. Sure, some side performances may come across as laughable, and elements in the plot may also earn a cringing laugh, but there’s no denying it; I was entertained and impressed by how the film continued to expand into something bigger. The intense, gruesome, and bloody finale leaves viewers thirsty for more.
7.1/10
23rd March 2024
Written by Peter Walkden
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