Benedetta

Tuscany in the 17th century. Benedetta Carlini has experienced religious visions since childhood and enters a convent in Pescia, where her apparent ability to perform miracles soon sets her apart. As plague spreads across Italy, her growing reputation brings her influence within the convent—but also increasing scrutiny. When the young Bartolomea arrives at the convent, the two women begin a sexual relationship. Benedetta's spiritual authority and private desires become increasingly difficult to separate as questions arise about the authenticity of her visions. Faith, sexuality and power collide in a community where religious conviction is inseparable from institutional politics. Inspired by the historical Benedetta Carlini and Judith C. Brown's book Immodest Acts: The Life of a Lesbian Nun in Renaissance Italy, Paul Verhoeven's film stars Virginie Efira alongside Daphné Patakia, Charlotte Rampling and Lambert Wilson. BENEDETTA premiered in Competition at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival.