‘Immaculate’ - Review

Growing up, Islam was more than just a religion; it was a source of comfort, grounding me in a sense of purity amid whatever chaos life threw my way. I was born in 1999. I don’t remember 9/11, but I do remember everyone talking about it. I never understood how the religion that I so closely associated with peace could be associated with violence. And, as I grew older, I couldn't ignore the dissonance between the peace I associated with Islam and its associations with violence. This dissonance only grew as I witnessed my religion being weaponized by those in power to oppress and justify violence, misogyny, and other forms of prejudice.

This March, two very different films—Dune: Part 2 and Immaculate—have unexpectedly converged on the theme of cautionary tales against the abuse of religion to inspire fanaticism. Despite their differences, both films center around the concept of motherhood, serving as poignant reflections on the power dynamics within religious contexts. While Rebecca Ferguson’s Reverend Mother in Dune: Part 2 manipulates religious fervor for control and power, Sydney Sweeney’s Sister Cecilia in Immaculate rejects her role as a pawn in religious manipulation. This juxtaposition underscores a fundamental truth: the power of choice in navigating the complexities of faith. Whether used for control or liberation, religion is ultimately navigated by individual interpretation and action.

I did not expect to find any parallels with Immaculate and Dune: Part 2; I was expecting a silly horror film. However beneath the jumpscares, Immaculate has some threads that illustrate the insidious allure of fanaticism, weaving a tale of faith twisted into madness. Directed by Michael Mohan and anchored by Sydney Sweeney's compelling performance, the film explores the convergence of devotion and delusion. Sister Cecilia embodies fervent faith as she seeks solace within a mysterious convent, only to find her devotion perverted by sinister forces. Religion to her is a saving grace, a place to rest upon. Unfortunately, the same can not be said about the convent she ends up in. Father Tedeschi, representing the allure of absolute belief, blurs the lines between faith and folly in his relentless pursuit of power. His actions serve as a chilling reminder of the dangers of unchecked zealotry, where blind devotion can lead to unspeakable atrocities.

Cecilia's journey is a pro-choice fable, both on a more obvious level in a post Roe v. Wade era horror film about pregnancy, but also a story about the importance of the power of elevating the individual’s ability to choose. Sister Cecilia is entrenched in a conspiracy where her only escape lies in embracing her individuality and rejecting the weaponization of religion. Like Cecilia, I've seen fanaticism and a desire for power pervert the religion that I grew up in. Whether it’s dictators in the Middle East utilizing religion to oppress or the rise of extremism, I’ve seen my religion abused in many ways. Yet, it's through choosing my own beliefs and forging my path that I've furthered my relationship with Islam. Immaculate was a surprising reminder of the transformative power of individualism in faith, and above all an imperative of individual agency.

As Cecilia's struggle reaches its climax, the film forces audiences to confront the uncomfortable truth that the greatest horrors often stem from the darkness within the human heart. This however, is not a condemnation of the individual. Rather, it highlights the inherent danger when individuals succumb to blind fervor, whether as pawns in organized religion or in their personal convictions. This underscores the potentially harmful nature of unchecked zealotry, fanaticism, and absolute faith—all of which can originate from individuals, yet are indispensable for the existence of organized religion. While there's often a perceived necessity for absolutes on a large scale, it's within the realm of individual faith that the ability to navigate nuances exists, dwelling in the gray area that safeguards against corruption.Without the support of this community, Islam would not wield the same power. However, it's the synergy between community and my individual interpretations of the world around me that renders my religious experience meaningful. Religion cannot be blind; it necessitates the integration of the community wisdom with personal reflection and critical thinking.

Existing as a weird foil-of-sorts to Dune: Part 2, Immaculate offers an indictment of the corrosive power of fanaticism in a completely different way. It's our interpretation and the choices we make that define our faith. While Dune: Part 2 explores the consequences of fanaticism through characters like Paul and Stilgar, who succumb to the allure of prophecy, power, and religious manipulation, Immaculate presents us with Cecilia, who chooses to reject religious manipulation. The juxtaposition shows the importance of individual agency in navigating the complexities of faith. Fanaticism cannot exist without the absolute fervor and faith of individuals. However, it is also individuals who have the power to dismantle oppressive structures and reject the manipulation of purity by turning away from the desire for power. Immaculate, in its portrayal of Cecilia's journey, emphasizes the importance of individual choice in shaping one's relationship with religion. Ultimately, it is our interpretation and the choices we make that define our faith. In a world plagued by extremism and intolerance, Immaculate offers a beacon of hope—a reminder that genuine religion fosters compassion and understanding, and it's up to each of us to uphold these values through our actions and beliefs.