Anchoress (1993)

In the heart of fourteenth-century England, Anchoress unveils the mystical journey of Christine Carpenter, a humble peasant girl who is irresistibly drawn to a statue of the Virgin Mary. Her profound connection to the divine sparks a suggestion from the local priest, a man tangled in his own sinful desires for Christine, to entomb herself within the church walls. As an Anchoress, Christine is tasked with the holy duty of blessing her fellow villagers, transforming her into a symbol of piety. However, the medieval world Christine inhabits is steeped in superstition and fear, and her path is darkened when the lustful priest condemns her mother as a witch. In response, Christine defies her sacred vows and excavates herself from her stone cell, a daring act that brands her a criminal and puts her life at a horrifying risk. Anchoress takes viewers on a riveting exploration of Christine's awakening to her own sensuality and reverence for earth-based spirituality. Her story, intertwined with the threads of historical fact drawn from letters penned about a real-life Anchoress in 1325, paints a vivid portrait of a visionary young woman who dares to challenge the religious and societal norms of her time. As she steps out of the Virgin's house and back into the world, Christine's journey evolves into a captivating tale of faith, defiance, and the unyielding power of the feminine spirit.

Anchoress is a drama movie featuring Natalie Morse and directed by Chris Newby.

Anchoress is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy.