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Novitiate
2017 123 min United States of America R 16+
★7.0
Drama
Director: Maggie Betts
Trailers
Description
In the early 1960s, during the Vatican II era, a young woman training to become a nun struggles with issues of faith, sexuality and the changing church.
US Gross:
$580,346
Worldwide:
$580,346
Starring
Melissa Leo
Actor
Lisa Stewart
Actor
Alyssa Brindley
Actor
Awards
Sundance Film Festival 2017
— Directing Award (Drama)
Sundance Film Festival 2017
— Grand Jury Prize (Drama)
Key opinion
Novitiate is a thoughtful, evocative drama that explores the complexities of faith and the human psyche within the strictures of convent life. While it avoids attacking religious doctrine, it presents a challenging look at institutional tradition and the internal struggles of those devoted to it.
| Theme | The film succeeds as a poignant character study by portraying the protagonist’s transition from naive idealism to the harsh realities of religious discipline. | |
| Acting | The ensemble cast provides strong, emotionally resonant performances, with particular praise for the work of Diana Agron and Margaret Qualley. | |
| Theme | The narrative effectively examines the struggle between evolving church reforms and entrenched, archaic traditions. | |
| Ending | The film’s refusal to offer a definitive conclusion leaves viewers to grapple with their own interpretations, which some find intellectually stimulating and others find frustrating. |