Unfortunately, I'm not usually the type to see modern horror films right when they're released, often waiting a few years. This can feel like I'm really missing out as I hear about all the hype on social media and risk being influenced by critic reviews and spoilers.
This was the case with Immaculate, a film I would have eagerly seen in theaters early this year (2024), especially given its more than positive reviews.
The film attempts to blend science and religion, which is an intriguing concept, but it doesn't fully explore this idea with greater depth. To put it bluntly, Immaculate seems to fall short on several fronts. It adheres closely to tropes established by classics like Rosemary's Baby, preventing it from feeling fresh or original. And while it pays homage to religious horror it doesn't offer anything necessarily different or new to the genre.
While the convent setting has potential, and the Italian countryside feels tranquil, however, the rest of the film ultimately falls stagnant. It does benefit from a decent budget, featuring some nice special effects and solid camerawork, but it's the scope of the story where it truly lacks.
This was my first experience watching Sydney Sweeney, who was likable but not particularly awe-inspiring. Her appearance more than overshadows her performance, focusing on her distinct feminine figure which might have kept my interest more than the plot.
There's a hint of mystery, and some intrigue from the religious foundations helps hold the core of the narrative together. By the ending however, the film fails to leave a lasting impression, with no standout scenes or striking performances.
A month later, after watching the extras, I found I had forgotten most of the story except for a brief, thirty-second ending, which underscores my disappointment of not bringing anything memorable to the table.
The idea itself was promising, and the execution wasn't entirely terrible. Sydney Sweeney was or perhaps is "the" highlight, but the film's depth, lore, and psychological elements do feel inevitably short, leaving it unable to leave a lasting mark.
5/10.
