Immaculate (2024) Movie Review: A Haunting Journey with Missed Opportunities
Immaculate (2024) attempts to blend the nostalgia of Italian horror with a contemporary examination of women’s bodily autonomy, but it falls short of its lofty aspirations. Despite being bolstered by the star power of Sydney Sweeney and the reputable distribution of Neon, the film struggles to deliver a cohesive and compelling narrative. In this review, we’ll dive into what makes Immaculate an intriguing, yet flawed, addition to the horror genre, and provide information on where to watch the film online.
A Retro Horror with Modern Undertones
Immaculate evokes the spirit of classic Italian horror, drawing comparisons to the Giallo genre with its setting in a convent. The film stars Sydney Sweeney, whose performance as Cecilia is one of its few redeeming aspects. Sweeney, fresh off her success with Anyone but You and her hosting stint on Saturday Night Live, steps into a role that capitalizes on her rising star power and positions her as a new horror icon.
The film’s narrative centers around Cecilia, a young woman whose devout nature is rooted in a near-fatal childhood accident. Her journey takes her to a remote Italian convent where she becomes entangled in a series of supernatural and psychological horrors. However, the film’s attempt to fuse retro horror elements with a commentary on bodily autonomy lacks the necessary execution to make a lasting impact.
Lackluster Execution of Ambitious Themes
The film’s failure to fully realize its thematic potential is evident throughout. While Immaculate aims to comment on women’s bodily autonomy and religious fanaticism, it often feels like a missed opportunity. Director Michael Mohan and writer Andrew Lobel’s approach is more focused on delivering superficial scares rather than delving into the deeper issues at play.
The convent setting, though atmospheric, is underutilized. Instead of creating a vibrant and oppressive environment that enhances the horror, the film’s visual style is flat and uninspired. The comparisons to Giallo films, known for their bold and expressive style, fall short here. The film’s visual language lacks the vibrant flair necessary to elevate its narrative and thematic elements.
Sweeney’s Performance: A Bright Spot
Sydney Sweeney’s performance as Cecilia is a highlight of the film. Her portrayal of a young woman caught between faith and the supernatural is both compelling and convincing. Sweeney’s ability to convey a range of emotions, from fear to defiance, adds depth to a character who might otherwise be lost in the film’s lackluster execution. Her star power and commitment to the role make Cecilia a memorable, if not fully realized, character.
However, the film’s reliance on Sweeney’s presence also highlights its shortcomings. While Sweeney excels, the rest of the film struggles to match her energy and talent. The lack of ambition in the film’s direction and writing leaves Sweeney stranded in a project that fails to support her performance.
Exploring Horror Tropes with Mixed Results
Immaculate does not shy away from exploiting classic horror tropes, including jump scares, bodily disfigurations, and eerie convent settings. These elements are presented with a certain level of enthusiasm, but the film often feels more like a pastiche of horror conventions rather than a fresh take on them.
Director Michael Mohan’s approach to horror is reminiscent of early works by genre craftsmen like Jaume Collet-Serra, though it lacks the intentionality of his style. The film’s attempts to shock and disturb are sometimes effective but often feel mechanical and predictable. The contrast between graceful shots and grisly close-ups, while occasionally striking, fails to coalesce into a cohesive cinematic experience.
Where to Watch Online
For those interested in experiencing Immaculate, the film is available on several streaming platforms and rental services in the U.S. Viewers can catch it on Hulu, Disney +, and for rental or purchase, it is available on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
Conclusion: A Mixed Bag
Immaculate is an intriguing film that blends elements of Italian horror with contemporary themes but ultimately falls short of its potential. Sydney Sweeney’s performance stands out as a bright spot, but the film’s lack of ambition and underdeveloped thematic elements undermine its overall impact. While it offers some enjoyable moments and horror tropes, it leaves much to be desired in terms of execution and thematic depth.
