Pathe has released a poster and trailer for director Paul Verhoeven’s religious erotic drama Benedetta. Based on Judith C. Brown’s non-fiction book Immodest Acts: The Life of a Lesbian Nun in Renaissance Italy, the film marks Verhoeven’s first since 2016’s Elle and follows a nun in 17th century Italy as she suffers from disturbing and erotic visions whilst embarking on a love affair with another woman.
In the late 17th century, with plague ravaging the land, Benedetta Carlini joins the convent in Pescia, Tuscany, as a novice. Capable from an early age of performing miracles, Benedetta’s impact on life in the community is immediate and momentous.
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Benedetta stars Virginie Efira, Charlotte Rampling, Daphné Patakia, Olivier Rabourdin and Lambert Wilson. It is set to premiere in competition at Cannes this July.
Originally published May 8, 2021. Updated May 25, 2021.