A tale of a scandalous lesbian affair that rocks a seemingly quiet convent, in Paul Verhoeven’s Benedetta we dive right into the crux of the matter. It is 17th-century Tuscany and women are bought and sold like cattle, even though the Church might outwardly refuse to do so. Adapted from Judith C. Brown’s book, Immodest Acts: The Life of a Lesbian Nun in Renaissance Italy, the film introduces us to an Abbess named Benedetta Carlini, who had to resign from her position for having an illicit relation with another nun. Delving into the clash between faith and desire, Verhoeven weaves an interesting situation wherein it is Benedetta’s — played by the immensely talented Virginie Efira — hallucinations of Christ that lead her closer to desire and sexual fruition.
Paul Verhoeven’s visual narrative ventures to make use of not just the gruesome visuals, but also thought-provoking ones. At a time when the female body is primarily viewed as an object of desire, the movie lays it bare in all its glory as one that defecates or is saddled with disease, not shying away from depicting physical extremities. Be it the visual of sister Jacopa’s disease riddled breast or when Bartolomea, played by the charming Daphne Patakia, is forced to dip her hand in hot water. The female body is on unabashed display and explores itself through the strictures of religion.
As the narrative progresses and the viewers find themselves confused with Benedetta’s intentions and her visions of Christ, one also finds themselves being acquainted with the politics of religion and the power play through Felicita, played by Charlotte Rampling and the Nuncio, played by Lambert Wilson. The Church ceases to be a sacred place of worship but rather a means for financial dealing. Playful in its approach, despite the grotesque undertones and being more than just a tale of same sex lovers, Benedetta sets itself apart as a film that subverts dogma. As the film nears its climax, we finally see Pescia being able to avoid the plague and Benedetta returning to religion, however one doesn’t find any resolution, just the birth of more ideas in their head.
All in all, a raw, visceral experience, the campy flair of Benedetta makes it an intriguing watch. A provocative film with its all female backdrop, Benedetta is brave and worth setting aside two hours for in a day.
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Text Unnati Saini
Date 07-07-2022