by Riley Cook
Image Credit: Eric Charbonneau | Getty Images
"Immaculate," the latest horror offering starring Sydney Sweeney of "Euphoria" fame, has been highly anticipated by fans of the genre. Sweeney auditioned for the role in 2014 when she was 17, but the project never materialized. Years later, she took on the role of producer through her development and production company, Fifty Fifty Films.
She reached out to the writer, acquired the film, revised it, hired a director, found financiers, and sold the film to Neon. Promising a chilling narrative set against the backdrop of an Italian convent, the film aimed to capture the essence of classic horror while delivering a fresh take on faith-based terror. However, upon its release, "Immaculate" failed to live up to expectations, leaving audiences disappointed and critics underwhelmed.
The film follows Cecelia, portrayed by Sweeney, a devout woman who finds herself drawn to a prestigious convent nestled in the idyllic Italian countryside. As she navigates her new role within the convent, Cecelia becomes embroiled in a sinister plot involving ancient relics and dark secrets. Yet, despite its intriguing premise, "Immaculate" falls short in several key areas.
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One of the most glaring issues with the film is its pacing. From the outset, "Immaculate" feels rushed, with crucial plot points glossed over and character development neglected. While Sweeney's performance as Cecelia is commendable, her casting as the lead feels somewhat miscast, detracting from the immersion of the story. Co-star Simona Tabasco, who plays a pivotal role in the narrative, is a standout, but her talents are underutilized in a film that fails to fully capitalize on its ensemble cast.
Furthermore, "Immaculate" suffers from a lack of depth in its exploration of religious themes. While the concept of impregnating nuns with the DNA of Christ's blood is undeniably intriguing, the film fails to delve into the theological implications of such a plot device. Instead, it relies on tired tropes and predictable scares, ultimately failing to deliver the thought-provoking commentary that elevated classics like "Rosemary's Baby."
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Despite its shortcomings, "Immaculate" does have its redeeming qualities. The film's cinematography is stunning, capturing the beauty of the Italian countryside with breathtaking visuals. Additionally, the score, composed by acclaimed musician Hans Zimmer, adds an eerie atmosphere that enhances the film's tension.
So, while "Immaculate" had the potential to be a standout entry in the horror genre, it ultimately falls short of its lofty ambitions. With its rushed pacing, miscast lead, and shallow exploration of religious themes, the film fails to leave a lasting impact on audiences.
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There was nothing here, and Sweeney, well, she's not cut out for horror. Maybe she should stick to rom-coms because even "Madame Web" fell flat. In this film, the ending leaves much to be desired. Also, let's not forget that while in labor, this American woman is picking off the antagonists one by one! How? For fans of horror looking for a more engaging experience, "Immaculate" is not be the answer.
4/10