Immaculate

Very beautifully filmed and well acted film. Always been a fan of Sydney and she did a great job in the role her.

Produced by Sydney Sweeney and directed by Michael Mohan, “Immaculate” is an intriguing mix of body horror, religious thriller, psychological drama that moves from a dark and conspiracy-minded vision of the Church to the indecipherability of Good and Evil, from the mysteries of faith to the importance of freedom of choice and self-determination (the female body and the denial of the right to dispose of it freely). The screenplay, however, is too superficial in its treatment of these complex themes and collapses under the blows of its ambition. Despite this, the staging manages to effectively and skilfully organize growing tension and anguish, and at times it becomes spectacular and hyperbolic. In fact, the film, even on a technical and stylistic level, can offer extreme and disturbing macabre visual solutions, accurate photography (signed by Elisha Christian) which makes good use of natural light, a disturbing scenographic apparatus, an excited rhythm and an effective use of prosthetic makeup. An unequal film therefore, discreetly made, which at least can boast a credible Sydney Sweeney in her role as protagonist (as she is able to give us with conviction a human and sensitive characterization of Cecilia); some noteworthy sequences; as well as a sinister, macabre atmosphere, full of mystery and anxiety. A work that does not give anything original or innovative to the genre and genre to which it belongs, but which can be considered acceptable, albeit partially successful, all things considered. To be compared with "The First Omen" (2024, by Arkasha Stevenson) for the similarities of plot and setting, and with "Omen" (1976, by Richard Donner) of which “Immaculate” may seem like a prequel. Rating (in tenths): 5.50 / 6.

Having heard a very positive review of this film on the Kermode & Mayo podcast, I thought I would venture out on a Monday night to catch it before it disappeared from the multiplex. The 90 minutes runtime also meant I wouldn’t be that late on a school night. I soon begun to wonder how they would fit it all in the limited time allotted given the slow procession to get to any action. In the end they reached a conclusion which seemed more fitting of someone sitting an English exam who knew he had to wrap it up because time was nearly up. It left you asking questions of why the antagonists behaved in a certain way and with an ending which made you just want to say “oh okay”. Not sure what made Kermode go crazy for this but I guess personal taste is exactly that.

Nothing original or intriguing to say in a genre ran into the ground, not even going to discredit Sweeney's horror potential cause there is nothing to work with here.

Another uninspiring quick horror flick. Not even Sweeny could save it. As usual its main purpose is to associate Christianity with evil - entertaining you is only secondary. The movie is bland with lot's of screaming, moaning, a bit of mandatory nudity and a predictable ending. That's it.