Cabrini (2024) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
“Cabrini” (2024) is a historical drama directed by Alejandro Monteverde, known for his thought-provoking work in faith-based cinema. The film revolves around Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini, the first American saint and a key figure in humanitarian work during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her efforts to help immigrants, particularly Italian migrants in New York City, are the backbone of this film, which explores her unwavering faith, determination, and pioneering spirit. In this article, we will delve into a detailed review of Cabrini and highlight where to watch the movie online, including popular streaming platforms.
Plot Overview
“Cabrini” takes us on a journey through the life of Frances Xavier Cabrini (Cristiana Dell’Anna), a devout Catholic nun from Italy who established orphanages, hospitals, and charitable organizations in New York City. The movie begins with Cabrini’s deep desire to serve as a missionary in China, but after receiving guidance from Pope Leo XIII, she sets her sights on the U.S. Upon arriving in Manhattan, Cabrini faces countless obstacles, including resistance from church leaders, financial difficulties, and rampant prejudice against immigrants. However, her unrelenting commitment to help the poor and marginalized enables her to build a network of institutions that provide essential services to those in need.
One of the most memorable scenes in Cabrini involves her confrontation with a fictionalized New York mayor (played by John Lithgow), who represents the societal barriers Cabrini had to overcome. This pivotal moment in the film highlights Cabrini’s resilience and the eventual recognition of her contributions by those in positions of power.
A Strong Lead Performance
Cristiana Dell’Anna’s portrayal of Mother Cabrini is both subtle and powerful. She brings to life the inner struggles and triumphs of the historical figure, imbuing her character with a quiet but fierce determination. Dell’Anna’s performance is grounded in authenticity, allowing viewers to see both the saintly and human sides of Cabrini.
Supporting actors, including John Lithgow and David Morse, enhance the film’s narrative, offering layered depictions of the challenges Cabrini faced in her efforts to assist immigrants. Despite some criticisms of character depth—particularly the lack of development for Cabrini’s fellow nuns—the central focus on Dell’Anna’s Cabrini keeps the film emotionally engaging.
Visuals and Cinematography
One of the highlights of Cabrini is its rich cinematography by Gorka Gómez Andreu. The film beautifully captures the period setting of 19th-century New York, with detailed set designs that transport viewers into the gritty, immigrant-dense neighborhoods of Five Points. The use of lighting in the film, though sometimes heavy-handed, often accentuates the spiritual themes, as beams of light frequently filter through windows, symbolizing divine presence or intervention.
Despite the film’s aesthetic appeal, some viewers may find the pacing uneven. The narrative structure, which follows Cabrini through a series of obstacles and successes, occasionally feels repetitive, particularly in its depiction of financial struggles and institutional resistance. Nevertheless, the film’s themes of hope, perseverance, and the power of community remain compelling.
Themes and Social Relevance
While Cabrini is a historical biopic, its themes resonate strongly in today’s social and political climate. The film’s exploration of immigration, social justice, and religious devotion feels particularly timely, as it raises important questions about the treatment of marginalized communities and the role of faith-based institutions in offering humanitarian aid. Cabrini’s mission to provide support to immigrants echoes the current global refugee crisis, making the film relevant to modern audiences.
Moreover, Cabrini challenges traditional gender roles, showcasing how Cabrini defied societal expectations and patriarchal norms. A particularly poignant moment comes when the New York mayor remarks, “It’s too bad you’re not a man. You would’ve been an excellent man.” Cabrini’s swift response—“A man could never do what we do”—epitomizes her strength and the unique power of feminine leadership.
Where to Watch Cabrini Online
As of 2024, there are several platforms where viewers can stream or rent Cabrini online, particularly in the United States. Here are the available options:
1. Streaming Services
- Amazon Prime Video: Cabrini is available for rental and purchase on Amazon Prime Video. You can stream it in HD or 4K depending on your subscription plan.
- Apple TV+: The movie is also available for rental or purchase on Apple TV+, offering a seamless viewing experience for users of Apple devices.
- Google Play Movies & TV: Available for rent or purchase, this service provides a convenient way to watch Cabrini on Android devices or through your web browser.
2. Rental/Purchase Services
- YouTube Movies: You can rent or purchase Cabrini through YouTube Movies, which offers standard and high-definition streaming options.
- Vudu: This platform provides options to rent or buy the movie with no subscription required.
3. Physical Media
For those who prefer to own physical copies, Cabrini is also expected to be available on Blu-ray and DVD later in 2024. Many retailers such as Walmart, Best Buy, and Target will carry physical copies, making it easy to own a piece of cinematic history.
Conclusion
“Cabrini” is a biographical film that offers a thoughtful portrayal of one woman’s fight to make a difference in the world. While the film has its flaws, including a slow pace and underdeveloped secondary characters, the powerful lead performance by Cristiana Dell’Anna and the movie’s visually rich period setting make it a worthwhile watch. The themes of resilience, faith, and justice elevate this historical drama into something that resonates deeply with contemporary audiences.
If you’re interested in watching Cabrini (2024), you can find it on popular streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and Google Play Movies. For those looking for a compelling story of social justice and faith, Cabrini is a film worth your time.
