The Nun
The Nun

Movie spotlight

The Nun

1967
Movie
140 min
French

In eighteenth-century France, a girl is forced against her will to take vows as a nun. Three mothers superior treat her in radically different ways, ranging from maternal concern, to sadistic persecution, to lesbian desire.

Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Director: Jacques RivetteGenres: Drama, Mystery

Plot Summary

The film follows Suzanne, a young woman who, after a period of institutionalization, returns to Paris and becomes entangled in a mysterious plot involving a missing nun and a clandestine organization. As she navigates the city's underbelly and the complexities of her own identity, she finds herself questioning reality and her sanity.

Critical Reception

'The Nun' garnered significant attention and controversy upon its release due to its unflinching portrayal of religious repression and societal hypocrisy. While some critics lauded Rivette's bold artistic vision and Karina's compelling performance, others found the film's narrative dense and its themes challenging. It has since become recognized as a significant work of French cinema, particularly within the context of the Nouvelle Vague.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its bold, uncompromising critique of religious and social institutions.

  • Anna Karina's central performance is frequently highlighted as a tour de force.

  • Acknowledged as a challenging but rewarding film for its intellectual depth and directorial artistry.

Google audience: Audience reception data for 'The Nun' is not readily available or consistently aggregated through platforms like Google Reviews.

Awards & Accolades

None notable, primarily recognized for its artistic merit and controversial reception.

Fun Fact

The film faced significant controversy and censorship issues in France upon its initial release, with its screening even being banned for a period due to its depiction of religious themes.

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