Benedetta 4K 2021 FRENCH Ultra HD 2160p

Storyline
17th-century Tuscany, Italy. As the sinister threat of the Plague looms over Europe, the sincerely devout eight-year-old novice, Benedetta Carlini, is brought into the Theatine Convent of the Mother of God in Pescia as a bride for Jesus Christ. Eighteen long years later, as ominous whispers of disputable miracles scandalise the cloistered sisters, a test of faith awaits deeply pious Benedetta in the shape of bruised, abused, and earthly Bartolomea: a young woman fleeing her violent father. Now, while under the vigilant eye of cynical Abbess Felicita, fleeting glimpses of the forbidden fruit invite a tentative intimacy, ungovernable desires, and intense diabolical obsessions in, and suddenly, the holy signs of faith are manifest in Sister Benedetta's body. But, few can wrestle with guilt and emerge unscathed. Is there an escape from sin when the flesh is the enemy?

User Review
The line between good and bad, pure and evil is so thin ... you don't always realize you crossed it. Or in this case a character. And when I say character I mean "historical figure". In a sense - and let me be clear, I was not aware (nor am I after watching the movie I dare say) of the real Benedetta.

Paul Verhoeven likes to provoke and I am certain he did change quite a few things surrounding the ... "myth"(?) of our titular character. Take that with a grain of salt ... or a Jesus on a cross for that matter (pun very much intended and if that offends you - well you better not watch the movie, unless you like getting angry and upset of course).

There is some violence and blood, though the most cruel and "hurtful" scene happens off camera ... still just the thought of it ... and that I believe is something that did happen back then - probably exactly like that. Not spoiling anything by saying that - and also not spoiling anything by saying there is quite a lot of nudity in this. It's Paul Verhoeven, what did you expect? Kudos to the actresses and their more than brave performances (with or without clothes - excellently played).

The cast in general can be showered in praise. The costumes, make up effects, cinematography and sound design are working hand in hand, to bring you back .. so you feel like you are part of that timeline. A really tough story and one with a weird main character ... can we actually sympathize with her? I think if anything we are rooting more for her "lover" ... that being said, the movie is quite critical of almost everyone - but mainly the church. Sometimes subtle, sometimes openly going after things that were practised back in the day ... also how the public perceives things can be a good or a bad thing ... but we knew that - didn't we? And with that I say ... "enjoy" - and believe whatever you want to believe!