Counter Culture

Benedetta Carlini, a young woman with a turbulent past, enters the convent of Pescia in 17th century Italy. Guided by her visions of a divine presence, Benedetta becomes a respected and influential nun within the religious community. However, her unique religious experiences soon attract the attention of the Church and the Inquisition.

As the story unfolds, Benedetta explores the struggles faced by Benedetta within the confines of an oppressive religious institution. She is confronted with the challenges of living a life of devotion while also grappling with her own desires and sexual awakening. The film vividly depicts the tensions between her devotion to God and her blossoming love for another nun, Bartolomea.

The plot takes an intriguing turn as Benedetta’s alleged supernatural encounters gain recognition, causing tensions not only within the convent but also among the skeptical local townspeople. The Church, fearing a potential threat to their authority, sends a determined and skeptical investigator to uncover the truth behind Benedetta’s visions.

As the investigation progresses, the film delves into themes of female empowerment, religious hypocrisy, and personal freedom. It explores the dynamics of power within the religious hierarchy as well as the societal constraints imposed on women during that era. The tension between faith and human desires is skillfully portrayed, highlighting the complexities of navigating one’s personal and religious identities.

Social Themes

• Female Empowerment: Benedetta presents a compelling portrayal of female empowerment within the context of a male-dominated religious institution. It sheds light on the struggles women faced and the resilience they employed to assert their individuality and challenge the status quo.
• Religious Hypocrisy: The film boldly examines the hypocrisy that can exist within organized religion. It questions the behavior of individuals in positions of power and highlights the disconnect between the teachings of faith and the actions of its representatives.
• Power Dynamics: Benedetta explores the intricate power dynamics at play within the religious hierarchy. It showcases manipulation, exploitation, and the abuse of power, shedding light on the systemic issues that can afflict religious institutions.
• Personal Freedom and Sexual Liberation: The movie delves into the theme of personal freedom and sexual liberation, challenging societal norms and advocating for individuals’ right to express their desires. It raises important questions about the constraints imposed by religious and societal expectations.

Benedetta weaves an engaging plot that revolves around Benedetta Carlini’s experiences within a religious institution while offering a vivid portrayal of the social themes it tackles. Director Paul Verhoeven presents a thought-provoking narrative, exploring topics like female empowerment, religious hypocrisy, power dynamics, and personal freedom. With strong performances and visual storytelling, Benedetta prompts audiences to reflect on these social issues and the complexities of navigating one’s faith and desires in a restrictive society.

Reviewed by Pat Harrington

Picture credit: By SBS Productions and Pathé – http://www.pathefilms.com/film/benedetta, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=67588633