Benedetta

Is it a sign from God? In the convent of Pescia in 17th century Italy, the stigmata of Christ appear on the body of novice Benedetta Carlini (Virginie Efira). At first, the leaders of the Catholic Church doubt that the marks are real. But Benedetta's rise to abbess is unstoppable. For her, it's the perfect way to continue her secret double life in her religious community. For Benedetta is having a passionate affair with a student nun, Bartolomea (Daphné Patakia). Should this come out, there would be dire consequences for both women. But now Bendetta feels safe - unaware that former convent mistress Felicita (Charlotte Rampling) suspects the new abbess is hiding something....

With "Benedetta", Paul Verhoeven ("Basic Instinct", "Elle", "RoboCop") once again tackles a provocative subject in his very own way. In addition to a lot of drama, there is also - not unusual for Verhoeven's films - a lot of eroticism and bitterly wicked, yet very cryptic humor. As is so often the case with his films, one could superficially accuse him of simply wanting to provoke. But there is much more behind it. Especially Benedetta's dreams of Jesus Christ seem blasphemous at first sight. But as so often with the Dutch director, one should not give in to the urge to indignation, but should make the effort to look beneath the surface.

For "Benedetta" is a very clever and also sensual film that exposes bigotry and deals with the position of women in the church in a critical, yet thoroughly entertaining way. In addition, the film is a plea for tolerance: especially people who always preach love of one's neighbour should be open to the fact that there is not only heterosexual love. Love is so beautiful and so immensely important for the cohesion of a society - it really shouldn't matter whose heart beats for whom. That is just one of the messages of this film, which is as complex as its main character. Benedetta is not just the novice who does everything she can to live out her feelings for another woman. On the one hand she is very emotional and passionate, on the other hand she is cold and calculating.

Virginie Efira plays this multifaceted character absolutely great. She is supported by a no less convincing Daphné Patakia and also a usual strong Charlotte Rampling. These actresses, the successful set and last but not least Paul Verhoeven's sometimes very special visual language make "Benedetta" a very special film that stirs, entertains and makes you think. For this, it more than deserves a: Absolutely worth seeing!

An article by Frankfurt-Tipp