Reviews

There are many stories over the centuries of repression by the Vatican. So many in fact that you can't help but think that aspects of this story are factual. This film is not the Exorsist and neither is it an Evil Dead film. Its a thriller based around a religious conflict. I must have seen this film four times because of work and it always has an appeal.

Something this film doesn't receive enough credit for is its photography and photgraphic direction. The scene when Patricia has her first stigmatic attack was amazing, the underwater pan along her body and the subsequent attack is breath taking.

Very strong performances from all concerned and a well composed script. The comments about a weak ending are perhaps based on a slip in the direction. It maintains the plot until the end, but perhaps it ends a little abruptly.

Its one of those films that makes an impact on a more subtle level than were used to these days. Its like a classical black and white, but with more sex and swearing. But don't let that put you off, every moment is justified, the emotion and the expression tell the story more than the words alone ever could. I don't think I would ever have watched it had it not been for the lack of anything to do at work (TV broadcaster's master control room), but once I got started I was sorry when it ended. So, I'm not saying throw out the mainstream block buster, but why not try adding it to the B-Roll list and watch it before something else to make you feel good.

Bob