The Nun

A somber, slow-burning immersion into confinement and spiritual suffering, anchored by a quietly devastating central performance.

Directed by

Guillaume Nicloux

Genres

Drama

Starring

Pauline Étienne, Isabelle Huppert, Louise Bourgoin

Overview

Suzanne Simonin describes her life of suffering in letters. As a young woman she is sent to a convent against her will. Since her parents cannot afford the dowry required for a marriage befitting her rank they decide she must instead become a nun. Although a kind and understanding Mother Superior helps her to learn the convent’s daily routine, Suzanne’s desire for freedom remains unabated. When the Mother Superior dies, Suzanne finds herself faced with reprisals, humiliation and harassment at the hands of the new Abbess and the other Sisters. For many years, Suzanne is subjected to bigotry and religious fanaticism. (Berlinale.de)

How it feels

Bleak, melancholic, tense and earnest. Slow-burning and demanding.

About

Faith, isolation, power, identity

Content

Mild violence, sexual content and language. No gore.

Note

Written by AI, so it can be wrong. Full breakdown

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Watch the trailer on YouTube (opens in a new tab)