Inspired by a true story, “satiric provocateur” Paul Verhoeven‘s (BASIC INSTINCT, ELLE, SHOWGIRLS) BENEDETTA (loosely based on the 1986 non-fiction book ‘Immodest Acts: The Life of a Lesbian Nun in Renaissance Italy‘ by Judith C. Brown.

The film takes place in a nunnery during the late 17th century in Pescia, Tuscany, while a plague ravages the land. Benedetta Carlini joins the convent as a novice. From an early age, she is capable of performing miracles, and her impact on life in the community is immediate and momentous. While suffering from disturbing religious and erotic visions, she finds assistance from a companion, and the relationship between the two women develops into a romantic love affair. With Virginie Efira, Charlotte Rampling, Daphne Patakia.

“Precariously walking a tightrope of varying genres and tones, ‘Benedetta’ provokes salient questions about sexual freedom and its relationship to faith.” (Rotten Tomatoes)

“A very fun, very naked, very blasphemous movie.” (NPR)

“What’s fun about Verhoeven’s movie is how Benedetta herself is presented: not as a lovestruck cartoon caught between lust and religion, or as a pornographic parody of a real person, but as an extremely intelligent schemer.” (Thrillist)

“‘Benedetta’ is a dizzying genre hybrid.” (Polygon)

“This is a significant addition to the Verhoeven canon, meaning it’s elegantly crafted, formidably well performed and as fascinating as it is lurid.” (Wall Street Journal)

“Verhoeven brings more vitality to his work than many filmmakers half his age, and his screenplay (with David Birke) is a tasteless hoot, gleefully cramming the frame with blood, fornication and flagellations galore.” (New York Times)

Thursday, December 30
Doors 3:00 pm | Movie 3:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Advance tickets $13 HERE | $13 at the door

Thursday, January 6 Final Screening
Doors 8:30 pm | Movie 9:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Advance tickets $13 HERE | $13 at the door

BENEDETTA (Paul Verhoeven, 2021 / 131 mins / 18A / English subtitles) A 17th-century nun becomes entangled in a forbidden lesbian affair, but it’s her shocking religious visions that threaten to shake the Church to its very core.