Benedetta * * * *

I really like the work of Paul Verhoeven.  The only thing predictable about him is his unpredictability.

I mean, this is the man who gave us both the infamous Showgirls, the hysterical Starship Troopers and the extraordinarily moving and intelligent Elle, which is the last film I saw from him, although there have been a couple of others since, but I do not think they were released in Australia. 

His latest film Benedetta, is loosely adapted from a book.  Verhoeven tells this "true" story in a way that is both serious  and outrageous.  There are times when it is an intriguing investigation of a spiritual "phenomena" and other times when it's like those sexy 1970's "Nunsploitation" films. (There is nothing like the suggestion of lesbian nuns to get bums on seats).

In the 17th Century a devout young French girl Benedetta (Virginie Efira) enthusiastically enters the convent in the town of Pescia in Italy. Soon after joining, Benedetta is praying to an oversized statue of the Virgin Mary when it falls forward onto her, but it does her no harm. A miracle perhaps?

God moves in mysterious ways.

Benedetta's spiritual visions become stronger and stronger.  She is so convinced Jesus is with her she will start talking to him like he is in the room. Her body will respond as she  tries to walk to him.  Is this a holy vision or Benedetta's  over excited imagination? 

After she has been there for several years a new novice comes in.  A desperate girl seeking sanctuary. Bartolemea  has been sexually exploited which is a tragedy: but unlike most nuns she has no fear of her own body.  Benedetta takes her under her wing 

Their relationship has a rough beginning.  Learning that spiritual ascension comes from mortifying the flesh, Benedetta decides to do Bartolemea  a favour and mortify her flesh.  Bartolemea sucks down the pain because she loves, loves, loves Benedetta. So much so she reciprocates by teaching Benedetta a few other things about flesh.

Meanwhile Benedetta is taking things to the next level with visions and stigmatas. In her own body she feels the agony of the crucifixion and writhes with pain.   The Abbess (the boss nun) (Charlotte Rampling) decides Benedetta needs someone to watch over her and sleep in her chamber.  "I can do that! "says Bartolemea.

They grow closer, and when Benedetta gets a stigmata of a crown of thorns she is quickly escalated to the top job and the two girls get The Abbess's executive suite. They also bring in another guest into their sanctuary: a small wooden statue of the Virgin Mary, except she has now been carved and repurposed as a device of pleasure, if you get my drift.  

In the meantime, The Abbess and  a couple of other nuns are growing suspicious of Benedetta's stigmatas and visions.  One of them is told to give herself a good flogging for being so disrespectful, but it doesn't quell suspicion.  Soon the Nuncio is brought in to commence his clumsy and arrogant interrogation.

Meanwhile, The Black Plague is knocking on the door of Pescia. "I will keep it at bay" Benedetta bravely announces. Does she?  Can she?  And what of the strange sights in the heavens? And what will become of Benedetta and Bartolemea? Will their relationship survive the interrogation? It would be a shame to spoil it for you.  Your really should go see it.  It is not only intriguing and intelligent it really is quite good fun. 

It is also beautiful looking .  The lighting, the location, the costumes, the sets are all so much like a 17th century painting come to life, except the girls are prettier - and they don't mind taking their clothes off once in a while.  Cheeky!