307 reviews
I have a lot of mixed feelings about 'Immaculate'. It did some stuff I really liked, but then let itself down in other areas. It kept the jump-scares to a minimum, but the ones it did have were pretty easy to spot and ineffectual. It had a lot of gory and hard to watch scenes which were pretty effective and probably when the film was at its strongest. It also contained a fake-out dream sequence which is my most hated horror trope. For everything this film did well it seemed to do something else to offset it.
At first I had trouble buying Sydney Sweeney as a nun. I just couldn't make it work in my head. What I realised as the film went on however, was that her charisma and natural likeability was what was carrying the film. The absolute fundamental key to any horror movie working is that we have to care about the fate of the character/s. And because of her I did.
I liked this film a lot more than I thought I was going after about 15 minutes of the runtime. It's certainly a film that gets better as it goes along. It also does well to not outstay its welcome and keep the runtime to a brisk 89 minutes. I couldn't say this is must-see horror, but I could say it's worthy of giving a chance. 6/10.
At first I had trouble buying Sydney Sweeney as a nun. I just couldn't make it work in my head. What I realised as the film went on however, was that her charisma and natural likeability was what was carrying the film. The absolute fundamental key to any horror movie working is that we have to care about the fate of the character/s. And because of her I did.
I liked this film a lot more than I thought I was going after about 15 minutes of the runtime. It's certainly a film that gets better as it goes along. It also does well to not outstay its welcome and keep the runtime to a brisk 89 minutes. I couldn't say this is must-see horror, but I could say it's worthy of giving a chance. 6/10.
- jtindahouse
- Mar 19, 2024
- Permalink
Immaculate was very different than what I thought it was. There has been many horror movies with nuns in them which is about demonic possession or something else with demonic attribute. But as it turns out, Immaculate isn't about demons. And although it's not as scary as the Conjuring franchise, it's still pretty disturbing. You better watch it yourself, I'm not gonna spoil anymore than I already did with my review title. All I'm gonna tell you is that there's a huge mystery at the end of it. Which is creepy and quite disturbing. I gotta warn those who are religious : don't watch this movie! It's not for you.
Sydney Sweeney sheds her good-girl persona in Immaculate, a horror film that throws a devout young nun, Cecilia, headfirst into the nightmarish underbelly of a secluded Italian convent. While the premise is deliciously creepy, the execution lands somewhere between a campy throwback and a missed opportunity for deeper thematic exploration.
There's no denying the film's fun factor. The first act lures you in with idyllic Italian countryside visuals and a warm welcome for Cecilia. But the cracks soon begin to show, and the movie gleefully dives into increasingly bizarre and bloody territory. Think The Wicker Man meets Suspiria with a dash of Sweeney's signature intensity. The special effects, while not top-of-the-line, lean into a practical, grotesque quality that complements the film's grindhouse vibe.
Sweeney is the undeniable star here. She beautifully portrays Cecilia's transformation from wide-eyed innocent to a woman fighting for survival, both physically and emotionally. There's a vulnerability in her performance that makes you root for her, even as she descends into badassery. The supporting cast, however, feels a bit one-note. Their portrayals of the enigmatic nuns are more stereotypical than chilling.
The historical and cultural context of Catholicism is undeniably present, with religious iconography and rituals fueling the film's atmosphere. However, Immaculate doesn't quite commit to a deeper social commentary on faith or female subjugation. It throws out intriguing themes but doesn't fully explore them, leaving me wanting more.
The score is a haunting blend of choral music and discordant strings, perfectly capturing the unsettling duality of the convent. The editing is sharp, keeping the pace brisk and the scares coming. There's a sense of stylish chaos to the film, particularly in the later acts, that's undeniably entertaining.
Immaculate isn't immaculate. The script could have benefited from tighter plotting and a clearer thematic focus. But for fans of campy horror with a strong leading performance, it delivers a wild ride. So, if you're looking for something to shock you and maybe make you laugh a little (nervously), then step into the convent with Cecilia. Just don't expect a profound spiritual experience.
There's no denying the film's fun factor. The first act lures you in with idyllic Italian countryside visuals and a warm welcome for Cecilia. But the cracks soon begin to show, and the movie gleefully dives into increasingly bizarre and bloody territory. Think The Wicker Man meets Suspiria with a dash of Sweeney's signature intensity. The special effects, while not top-of-the-line, lean into a practical, grotesque quality that complements the film's grindhouse vibe.
Sweeney is the undeniable star here. She beautifully portrays Cecilia's transformation from wide-eyed innocent to a woman fighting for survival, both physically and emotionally. There's a vulnerability in her performance that makes you root for her, even as she descends into badassery. The supporting cast, however, feels a bit one-note. Their portrayals of the enigmatic nuns are more stereotypical than chilling.
The historical and cultural context of Catholicism is undeniably present, with religious iconography and rituals fueling the film's atmosphere. However, Immaculate doesn't quite commit to a deeper social commentary on faith or female subjugation. It throws out intriguing themes but doesn't fully explore them, leaving me wanting more.
The score is a haunting blend of choral music and discordant strings, perfectly capturing the unsettling duality of the convent. The editing is sharp, keeping the pace brisk and the scares coming. There's a sense of stylish chaos to the film, particularly in the later acts, that's undeniably entertaining.
Immaculate isn't immaculate. The script could have benefited from tighter plotting and a clearer thematic focus. But for fans of campy horror with a strong leading performance, it delivers a wild ride. So, if you're looking for something to shock you and maybe make you laugh a little (nervously), then step into the convent with Cecilia. Just don't expect a profound spiritual experience.
- steveinadelaide
- Mar 20, 2024
- Permalink
- BA_Harrison
- Mar 16, 2024
- Permalink
I had the chance to catch "Immaculate" before its release, hoping for a fresh horror experience set in a stunning Italian convent. Unfortunately, the movie felt like a letdown. The story follows Cecilia, who's supposed to uncover some dark secrets in her new, holy home, but it all ends up feeling too familiar.
The film tries to be edgy and dark but doesn't quite hit the mark, almost playing it safe like a PG-13 movie so any comparisons to "Saint Maud" almost feel like an insult. It teases us with brutality but pulls its punches, leaving us with a sense of "been there, seen that" rather than genuine chills or thrills.
Despite its beautiful setting and a premise that could have taken us on a deep, disturbing dive into faith and fear, "Immaculate" doesn't deliver. It ends up feeling like a collection of horror clichés without the bite, missing a chance to really stand out. For those looking for a horror movie that packs a punch, this might not be it.
The film tries to be edgy and dark but doesn't quite hit the mark, almost playing it safe like a PG-13 movie so any comparisons to "Saint Maud" almost feel like an insult. It teases us with brutality but pulls its punches, leaving us with a sense of "been there, seen that" rather than genuine chills or thrills.
Despite its beautiful setting and a premise that could have taken us on a deep, disturbing dive into faith and fear, "Immaculate" doesn't deliver. It ends up feeling like a collection of horror clichés without the bite, missing a chance to really stand out. For those looking for a horror movie that packs a punch, this might not be it.
I liked the mix of Italian and English. It worked really well, imagining how the main character would not be able to understand the majority of what they are saying.
However, the priest asks something on the lines of 'if it is not God's will, why does he not stop us?'.
The answer to that is that He gave us free will, which any priest worth his salt would most certainly know.
Apart from that, it was a good take on an already over explored theme, with some nice bits of gore and violence thrown in.
I'd definitely recommend giving it a watch if the massive hole in the priest's explanation of what they are doing is ignored. It starts out as you would expect from the genre, but has it's surprises as it progresses.
However, the priest asks something on the lines of 'if it is not God's will, why does he not stop us?'.
The answer to that is that He gave us free will, which any priest worth his salt would most certainly know.
Apart from that, it was a good take on an already over explored theme, with some nice bits of gore and violence thrown in.
I'd definitely recommend giving it a watch if the massive hole in the priest's explanation of what they are doing is ignored. It starts out as you would expect from the genre, but has it's surprises as it progresses.
- info-17228-55745
- Jul 19, 2024
- Permalink
If it wasn't for Sydney, no one would have seen this movie. I honestly don't understand what the higher reviews were watching...
This movie lacked both depth and any sort of character development. The movie would've been better if captions were provided, yet we had to rely on translations from another character.
On numerous occasions, what appeared to be a major development of the movie was either not explained or followed up. Just left there and the director moved on.
I was very disappointed by the movie and felt that they could have done a much better job of developing a storyline. Instead they phoned this one in...
Don't go see it in theatre, wait until it's out to steam if you want to see it. It's certainly not worth the price of admission.
This movie lacked both depth and any sort of character development. The movie would've been better if captions were provided, yet we had to rely on translations from another character.
On numerous occasions, what appeared to be a major development of the movie was either not explained or followed up. Just left there and the director moved on.
I was very disappointed by the movie and felt that they could have done a much better job of developing a storyline. Instead they phoned this one in...
Don't go see it in theatre, wait until it's out to steam if you want to see it. It's certainly not worth the price of admission.
In 2024's "Immaculate" we are introduced to the young nun named Cecilia who is portrayed by Sydney Sweeney. She is the main selling point for this movie with her remarkable rise in Hollywood right now. It's also interesting how this movie was made because Sweeney auditioned for this movie in 2014 but the project never materialized. Now that she is a big name in Hollywood, she reached out to the writer and went on to produce this movie with her in the leading role. I love that she is so dedicated to making a horror movie and a project she was certainly passionate about. And you could tell because her acting is really great and even though it was hard seeing her as a nun at first, she did the great job bringing her character to life. Although I find it a little weird that even in a movie about a nun, we somehow get to see her naked multiple times because she can't seem to leave her clothes on. Not a complaint but more of an observation.
The movie went in a different direction than I initially expected it to go which was a nice surprise. On the other hand it is really predictable and you immediately know where the threat lurks. There are some cheap jump scares in this but also some rather suspenseful moments that kept the tension high. The movie also looks pretty decent and overall entertains. But just like this review mainly focuses on Sydney Sweeney herself, the movie does too. Like I said she is the main selling point and the most memorable thing in an otherwise rather generic film that would be forgotten about easily. [5,7/10]
The movie went in a different direction than I initially expected it to go which was a nice surprise. On the other hand it is really predictable and you immediately know where the threat lurks. There are some cheap jump scares in this but also some rather suspenseful moments that kept the tension high. The movie also looks pretty decent and overall entertains. But just like this review mainly focuses on Sydney Sweeney herself, the movie does too. Like I said she is the main selling point and the most memorable thing in an otherwise rather generic film that would be forgotten about easily. [5,7/10]
- jenchalejn
- Mar 24, 2024
- Permalink
Sydney Sweeney really does hold this film together. Her performance is gripping especially as things heighten towards the end.
Slightly aghast at people finding this film boring. Beginning to wonder if there's a religious theme not only running through the movie but through the reviews too. I wonder.
The film builds atmosphere and has much more to offer than your 'The Nun' type horror movies. There's almost a Giallo influence to this.
It's gory in all the right places but holds back too, which I liked.
Could the plot and theming have run a little deeper? Sure. But it's a solid 7 out of 10 for me. I really had fun with it.
Slightly aghast at people finding this film boring. Beginning to wonder if there's a religious theme not only running through the movie but through the reviews too. I wonder.
The film builds atmosphere and has much more to offer than your 'The Nun' type horror movies. There's almost a Giallo influence to this.
It's gory in all the right places but holds back too, which I liked.
Could the plot and theming have run a little deeper? Sure. But it's a solid 7 out of 10 for me. I really had fun with it.
- cabcab-72611
- May 2, 2024
- Permalink
- kevin_robbins
- Mar 21, 2024
- Permalink
I am amazed how high people still rate this movie. The storyline was very random, barely explained and a lot of things happend out of nowhere. Characters had no background at all. Nearly fell asleep twice watching this in the cinema. Having seen 'The First Omen' earlier this week I'd much much more recommend to watch that one. Oddly enough they had a lot similarities, but everything The First Omen did right was a huge miss for this abomination.
Everyone seems to be hyped about the actress who plays the main character, but I don't get it, maybe her character was hard to make it good since the writing of this movie was so poor.
Everyone seems to be hyped about the actress who plays the main character, but I don't get it, maybe her character was hard to make it good since the writing of this movie was so poor.
- gdpduindam
- Apr 16, 2024
- Permalink
- sunset-affection
- Aug 26, 2024
- Permalink
- davegk-60171
- Mar 25, 2024
- Permalink
Amazingly well filmed and acted, 2024 ahead of The First Omen for me in terms of occultism and religious horror. Blessed, I thank God for entering that word choice, with a marvellous score. Answers and question marks make for a captivating rendezvous. And importantly, as the crucial essence of the genre, this from start to finish. Borrowings from European cinema yes, nunploitation no. Well, a little, but primarily 70s horror. And the contrast between light and dark is a deliberate stylistic device - after all, this is Cecilia's destiny. Just like the harsh impact of violent peaks in the bittersweet basic tone. And at the end of the escalating ordeal, the viewer possibly gains an essential realisation: the suffering of Mary. Thank you, emancipation can be so unobtrusive after all.
- xnicofingerx
- Jul 29, 2024
- Permalink
- comps-784-38265
- Mar 15, 2024
- Permalink
6.7/10 (Recommend)
I went into this one completely unaware of what the film was about. My brother-in-law briefly filled me in, but with having no visual expectations I was as virgin to this film has Mary, Mother of Jesus.
The main reason for checking it out is because Sydney Sweeney has been posting TikTok videos from people who have gone and seen the film and have come out "traumatized". There's certain aspects where I can understand why some are coming out of being "mind blown", but I also feel a lot of them aren't into horror films and are seeing just cause she's in it.
Truthfully, I enjoyed the film a lot more than I expected. About 80/85% of the film was good, but the last 15/20% is where it falters and loses all its build-up. Those last twenty minutes were laughable at best and disappointing. The story works, but is definitely fiction in context. Once everything unravels I began to really feel the ninety minutes that this film is.
What makes this movie work at times is the whole nun aspect. Horror nuns are creepy and unsettling for me. The jump scares work half the time. If I was feeling better than I am then the scares wouldn't have got me as much as they did, but recognizing that I can say they aren't anything special especially if you watch horror films often.
This is my first film with Sydney Sweeney and she wasn't bad. She brings good innocence to her character and a boldness, while not unexpected, is wrecked by the execution of the end. I am now curious on some of her previous roles to gauge what kind of actress she has. There's range going from romcom to horror, but doesn't mean you're good.
Overall, a more enjoyable film than I expected, but not out of this world horrific. It shows more graphic scenes than I expected, but I'm not complaining. The ending ruins the rest of the films build-up especially with the lack of graphic visuals. If it's a movie of interest to you then wait for a cheap night or its release to a streaming service.
That's all for now. Thank you for taking the time to read my review. Until next time.... Enjoy the show!
I went into this one completely unaware of what the film was about. My brother-in-law briefly filled me in, but with having no visual expectations I was as virgin to this film has Mary, Mother of Jesus.
The main reason for checking it out is because Sydney Sweeney has been posting TikTok videos from people who have gone and seen the film and have come out "traumatized". There's certain aspects where I can understand why some are coming out of being "mind blown", but I also feel a lot of them aren't into horror films and are seeing just cause she's in it.
Truthfully, I enjoyed the film a lot more than I expected. About 80/85% of the film was good, but the last 15/20% is where it falters and loses all its build-up. Those last twenty minutes were laughable at best and disappointing. The story works, but is definitely fiction in context. Once everything unravels I began to really feel the ninety minutes that this film is.
What makes this movie work at times is the whole nun aspect. Horror nuns are creepy and unsettling for me. The jump scares work half the time. If I was feeling better than I am then the scares wouldn't have got me as much as they did, but recognizing that I can say they aren't anything special especially if you watch horror films often.
This is my first film with Sydney Sweeney and she wasn't bad. She brings good innocence to her character and a boldness, while not unexpected, is wrecked by the execution of the end. I am now curious on some of her previous roles to gauge what kind of actress she has. There's range going from romcom to horror, but doesn't mean you're good.
Overall, a more enjoyable film than I expected, but not out of this world horrific. It shows more graphic scenes than I expected, but I'm not complaining. The ending ruins the rest of the films build-up especially with the lack of graphic visuals. If it's a movie of interest to you then wait for a cheap night or its release to a streaming service.
That's all for now. Thank you for taking the time to read my review. Until next time.... Enjoy the show!
- PerryAtTheMovies
- Mar 29, 2024
- Permalink
This is a well paced, no holds barred horror fest that isn't ashamed of what it is and what it ultimately delivers. There's no Megan-type winks to the audience, instead it's decidedly Barbarian in style. Also, it's more of an Italian film than anything else, with at least half the dialogue and nearly all of the production crew being Italian - which I see as a good thing.
The cinematography was excellent as was music and sound, but what really made it work and hang together was a top draw performance from Ms Sweeney. In just 89 minutes you'll have the divine pleasure of seeing her transform from angelic novice to... well, you'll have to see for yourself.
The cinematography was excellent as was music and sound, but what really made it work and hang together was a top draw performance from Ms Sweeney. In just 89 minutes you'll have the divine pleasure of seeing her transform from angelic novice to... well, you'll have to see for yourself.
The echoes of Roman Polanski's "Rosemary's Baby" are undeniable, from the secluded convent setting to the paranoia and isolation Cecilia experiences. But "Immaculate" carves out its own space in the genre with a surprising amount of bite.
"Immaculate," starring Sydney Sweeney as a young nun named Cecilia, delivers a captivating performance as a woman of quiet strength thrust into a horrifying situation. Where Mia Farrow's Rosemary Woodhouse in "Rosemary's Baby" was a naive outsider, Cecilia possesses a steely resolve. This subtle difference fuels the film's suspense. We see the cracks in Cecilia's faith as she grapples with the inexplicable, but she never loses her agency.
The film tackles themes of female subjugation and bodily autonomy within a religious framework. Cecilia's struggle for control over her own body becomes a potent allegory, particularly in today's social climate. It's a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll, leaving you questioning faith, free will, and the immaculate deception that can lurk behind holy walls.
"Immaculate," starring Sydney Sweeney as a young nun named Cecilia, delivers a captivating performance as a woman of quiet strength thrust into a horrifying situation. Where Mia Farrow's Rosemary Woodhouse in "Rosemary's Baby" was a naive outsider, Cecilia possesses a steely resolve. This subtle difference fuels the film's suspense. We see the cracks in Cecilia's faith as she grapples with the inexplicable, but she never loses her agency.
The film tackles themes of female subjugation and bodily autonomy within a religious framework. Cecilia's struggle for control over her own body becomes a potent allegory, particularly in today's social climate. It's a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll, leaving you questioning faith, free will, and the immaculate deception that can lurk behind holy walls.
- nERDbOX_Dave
- Jun 17, 2024
- Permalink
Not a good horror film. Sydney Sweeney tries but nothing about this grabbed me. Right from the opening scene most things that happen are completely pointless. None of the women wear bras and you can constantly see their nipples through their clothes. Very pedestrian. Obvious jump scares. Cheesy religious overtones and a derivative story you've seen a million times. Performances are forgettable. There is little direction to speak of. Visuals are boring. The music is okay. Characters I didn't care about. Main girl is too squeamish to butcher a chicken, but does it later anyways just for a selfish reason, which happens offscreen with no impact on her character. Plot is ridiculous nonsense. Script and editing is a mess. Extremely predictable. Totally humorless. Almost fell asleep in the theatre. Zero artistry, zero scares, felt long at 90 minutes.
- jboothmillard
- Apr 1, 2024
- Permalink
Immaculate
In Immaculate, we're given a nunsploitation story. Sister Cecilia relocates to an Italian convent following the closure of the one where she was raised in America. Soon after her arrival, she becomes pregnant and this is tagged an immaculate conception seeing as she's still a virgin.
The film explores the concept of women's bodily autonomy and challenges the perception of women solely as vessels for reproduction.
This psychological religious horror is mostly good but the religious aspects could have gotten more emphasis. The social commentary on faith could have been explored better. However, it delivers a satisfying amount of scares and builds to a pulsating final act. The restraint we'd gotten in the previous acts is tossed in the final act, and here is where the movie shines best. The pacing is good even though it does take time to get to the juicy parts but with the limited runtime, it avoids being tedious. The creepy atmosphere also effectively carries the film through its initial stages.
Sydney Sweeney delivers as sister Cecilia. Remarkably, she auditioned for the role at just 17 years old before the project was shelved. Years later, as a producer, she secured financing for the film, demonstrating her dedication to the project. This dedication is palpable in the performance she gives.
In conclusion, Immaculate is a solid psychological religious horror and although it falters in some areas, particularly in its underexplored themes, the film's gripping final act and Sweeney's impassioned portrayal make it a worthy watch for horror enthusiasts.
7/10.
In Immaculate, we're given a nunsploitation story. Sister Cecilia relocates to an Italian convent following the closure of the one where she was raised in America. Soon after her arrival, she becomes pregnant and this is tagged an immaculate conception seeing as she's still a virgin.
The film explores the concept of women's bodily autonomy and challenges the perception of women solely as vessels for reproduction.
This psychological religious horror is mostly good but the religious aspects could have gotten more emphasis. The social commentary on faith could have been explored better. However, it delivers a satisfying amount of scares and builds to a pulsating final act. The restraint we'd gotten in the previous acts is tossed in the final act, and here is where the movie shines best. The pacing is good even though it does take time to get to the juicy parts but with the limited runtime, it avoids being tedious. The creepy atmosphere also effectively carries the film through its initial stages.
Sydney Sweeney delivers as sister Cecilia. Remarkably, she auditioned for the role at just 17 years old before the project was shelved. Years later, as a producer, she secured financing for the film, demonstrating her dedication to the project. This dedication is palpable in the performance she gives.
In conclusion, Immaculate is a solid psychological religious horror and although it falters in some areas, particularly in its underexplored themes, the film's gripping final act and Sweeney's impassioned portrayal make it a worthy watch for horror enthusiasts.
7/10.
- exceladeogun
- Apr 27, 2024
- Permalink