Cook review: This horror film is ‘Immaculate’-ly disturbing

In one of the finest performances so far this year, Sydney Sweeney proves she has incredible acting chops that deserve to earn her more starring roles.

‘Immaculate’ (IMDb)

Sweeney stars in “Immaculate,” a movie about a young woman named Cecilia who moves from Detroit to Italy, where she wants to dedicate her life to Christ. Cecilia believes that, because she survived a near-drowning as a child, God has  chosen her for a purpose.

The priest (Alvaro Morte) at the convent gives her a warm welcome, and promises to be her translator when she doesn’t understand the Italian spoken around her. After she takes her vows, she’s now Sister Cecilia, and she begins to take part in the routines of convent life, from friendship to hanging out laundry.

Then Cecilia suddenly becomes ill, and, after an exam, she discovers she is pregnant. Now she is cared for and revered by those around her, who believe that the child is very special indeed. But there are strange goings-on in the convent, and Cecilia begins to wonder exactly how this “miracle” happened.

The cinematography is gorgeous throughout this film. Much of it, especially in quiet moments, helps build the sense of dread that grows with each scene. The gorgeous score and look of the film are a terrific contrast to the possibility of evil all around.

Released just a week before “The First Omen,” this is the kind of film that will appeal to aficionados of religion-based horror films such as  “Rosemary’s Baby” and “The Exorcist.”

Viewers, please take note: This isn’t one of those PG-13-rated horror movies. It richly deserves its “R” rating for its general content and some truly upsetting gory scenes.

Intelligent, unnerving, and with a great cast, this is bound to remain one of the best horror films of 2024.

3 ½ stars

Running time: One hour and 29 minutes.

At Cinemark, Davenport.

Watch the trailer here.

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