I recently had the pleasure of attending the NEON/Letterboxd sneak screening of Immaculate at New York's famous Metrograph cinema. Produced by and starring blossoming Hollywood star Sydney Sweeney, the film had been a passion project of hers after auditioning for the role in 2014. Though it fell through at the time, Sweeney recently acquired the project and became the film's producer. After revising the script, she chose Michael Mohan as the director due to their experience working together on previous projects such as The Voyeurs and Everything Sucks. Partnering with independent film distributor NEON, Immaculate quickly came to an exciting fruition.
After a near death experience in her childhood, Cecilia (Sydney Sweeney) vows to devote herself to the lord as she begins her new life as a nun. The only American in an Italian convent, Cecilia finds herself as an outsider from most of her peers. Suffering a nightmarish encounter, she unexpectedly learns that she is pregnant with an immaculate conception. As her pregnancy progresses and the convent begin worshipping her, she becomes overwhelmed by the feeling of uncertainty. Digging deeper, unsettling discoveries lead Cecilia to question her unlikely situation and fear for what may come next.
Immaculate brings a refreshing style to the modern horror genre. Steadily burning and becoming increasingly uncomfortable, the film creates an unsteady aura that lands viewers on the edge of their seats. Set and filmed in the Italian countryside, the hyper-religious focus makes for an eerie environment when mysterious encounters begin. Though there are a few moments which go a bit over the top, the outlandish nature of the entire situation allows those aspects to fit decently into the pilgrimage. Coming in at 1 ½ hours, the short runtime races by as every moment is packed with continually captivating developments that keep viewers immersed in the roller coaster of events. The haunting journey culminates in a heart-pounding final act, which does not subside until the credits begin roll.
Taking on the lead role alongside her first time producing, Sydney Sweeney is remarkably captivating as she traverses through her uncharted territory. She is chillingly convincing in her role and seamlessly switches from charming to traumatized with exceptional facial emoting. After being one of the best parts in the disastrous Madame Web, Sweeney is certainly expunged of that sin with this devout performance. Immaculate is one of Sweeney's most memorable and well-executed roles, hopefully paving the way for her to continue producing projects that she is passionate about.
Immaculate succeeds in crafting a surreal psychological experience. Sydney Sweeney produces an intriguing story and elevates the journey further with her truly harrowing performance. Horror buffs and casual fans alike will rejoice as the genre is gifted a film which should undoubtably be discussed alongside similar distinguished thrillers such as Eraserhead or Mother. Passionately conceived, Immaculate is a hopeful beacon for original ideas in Hollywood and leaves the future bright for the next step in Sweeney's prosperous career.
After a near death experience in her childhood, Cecilia (Sydney Sweeney) vows to devote herself to the lord as she begins her new life as a nun. The only American in an Italian convent, Cecilia finds herself as an outsider from most of her peers. Suffering a nightmarish encounter, she unexpectedly learns that she is pregnant with an immaculate conception. As her pregnancy progresses and the convent begin worshipping her, she becomes overwhelmed by the feeling of uncertainty. Digging deeper, unsettling discoveries lead Cecilia to question her unlikely situation and fear for what may come next.
Immaculate brings a refreshing style to the modern horror genre. Steadily burning and becoming increasingly uncomfortable, the film creates an unsteady aura that lands viewers on the edge of their seats. Set and filmed in the Italian countryside, the hyper-religious focus makes for an eerie environment when mysterious encounters begin. Though there are a few moments which go a bit over the top, the outlandish nature of the entire situation allows those aspects to fit decently into the pilgrimage. Coming in at 1 ½ hours, the short runtime races by as every moment is packed with continually captivating developments that keep viewers immersed in the roller coaster of events. The haunting journey culminates in a heart-pounding final act, which does not subside until the credits begin roll.
Taking on the lead role alongside her first time producing, Sydney Sweeney is remarkably captivating as she traverses through her uncharted territory. She is chillingly convincing in her role and seamlessly switches from charming to traumatized with exceptional facial emoting. After being one of the best parts in the disastrous Madame Web, Sweeney is certainly expunged of that sin with this devout performance. Immaculate is one of Sweeney's most memorable and well-executed roles, hopefully paving the way for her to continue producing projects that she is passionate about.
Immaculate succeeds in crafting a surreal psychological experience. Sydney Sweeney produces an intriguing story and elevates the journey further with her truly harrowing performance. Horror buffs and casual fans alike will rejoice as the genre is gifted a film which should undoubtably be discussed alongside similar distinguished thrillers such as Eraserhead or Mother. Passionately conceived, Immaculate is a hopeful beacon for original ideas in Hollywood and leaves the future bright for the next step in Sweeney's prosperous career.