It’s set in 1625, but Benedetta feels very much like a 1970s film: it’s political, anti-establishment, and thoughtful and, oh yeah, there’s plentiful nudity. Director Paul Verhoeven likes him some boobies. And you can ask Sharon Stone about his equal affection for the below the belt region. In this film, the nudity is not gratuitous – no, if you’re going to tell a story about two Nuns who discover they have serious chemistry, and act on it at the risk of their own lives, then you have to go all the way.
Virginie Efira as the title character was sent to the convent as a child by her parents. She grows into a beguiling woman who, much to the Reverend Mother’s frustration (a terrific Charlotte Rampling), has very vivid dreams and visions.
Benedetta is never far from a miracle, like her bleeding hands – the Stigmata, and other seemingly supernatural phenomena. Is she a Saint in the making? Or is she aware that her newfound status as a visionary affords her power and influence that prove to be intoxicating?
Virginie Efira in “Benedetta.” 
Meanwhile, a new novice Bartolomea (Daphne Patakia) is assigned to look after this enigmatic young woman who appears to literally speak to Jesus, whom she kind of creepily views as a sort of romantic figure. And speaking of figure – a wooden statuette will be re-purposed into a sex toy that was a little too much for me. Almost comical.
Bartolomea makes the first move – she is open and innocent, yet overtly sexual; normal for most humans, but this kind of forbidden love could get you burned at the stake in this neighborhood. But their love for each other is genuine.
So, yeah-you will see plenty of nudity and it kinda also feels like one of those Lady Chatterly‘s Lover stories, only with two women in a 17th century convent. But for better or worse, Vehoeven has a lot more going on than just those bits. His cast is excellent across the board and the locations seem authentic.
The film is completely watchable and, though not as substantial as intended, it works just fine as a costume drama with a bit of Rebel, a bit of history, and some bits that Verhoeven says aren’t seen as much as they used to be in films.
Kinda like the 70s.
Benedetta is in theatres and will be on other platforms soon. Tickets and Information here: https://www.benedettamovie.com/
3 out of 4 Stars | in French with English subtitles |Reviewed by Kyle Osborne
