Black Narcissus (1947)

In the heart of bustling Calcutta, at the Convent of the Order of the Servants of Mary, a compelling narrative unfolds. Young Sister Clodagh, the newly appointed Sister Superior of the St. Faith convent, finds herself carrying the burden of responsibility despite the Reverend Mother's doubts about her readiness. The challenge is amplified by the isolated location of her new assignment: the breathtaking yet remote mountainside Palace of Mopu in the Himalayas, a donation from General Todo Rai of Mopu, also known as 'The Old General'. Within the palace that once housed the Old General's father's concubine, Sister Clodagh will navigate this unfamiliar landscape with four other nuns, each chosen for a unique capability. Sister Briony's strength, Sister Phillipa's gardening expertise, Sister Honey's infectious joy, and the troubled Sister Ruth, who is expected to rediscover her faith in this new environment, accompany her. A slightly eccentric caretaker, Angu Ayah, and a silent, meditating holy man also inhabit the palace grounds. The convent's mission, as directed by the Old General, is to provide education for the children and young women and offer medical services to the valley inhabitants. Joseph Anthony, a six-year-old boy, serves as their translator, while their primary connection to the outside world is the Old General's British agent, Mr. Dean, whose presence around the nuns might stir complications. Early challenges arise as Sister Clodagh grapples with the acceptance of two unconventional individuals: the young and sexually curious Kanchi; and the Old General's ambitious son, the "Young General", who demands an education equal to his female peers. Each sister struggles with the cultural differences, the isolation, and their environment's unfiltered openness, with Sister Clodagh, in particular, finding herself caught in a whirlpool of confusion, harking back to her past life in Ireland and her love for a young man named Con. However, the most unsettling issue emerges within Sister Ruth, who spirals into a dangerous obsession with Mr. Dean, further intensified by her belief that Sister Clodagh is also falling for him. As the tale unravels, the sisters find themselves wrestling with their faith, their past, and the new life that the Black Narcissus holds for them amidst the majestic, enigmatic Himalayas.

Black Narcissus is a drama movie featuring Deborah Kerr and directed by Emeric Pressburger.

Black Narcissus is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Freevee, Plex, Plex Player, Shout! Factory TV, The Roku Channel and Tubi TV and it's also available on Criterion Channel, Max and Max Amazon Channel.

It is also possible to buy Black Narcissus on Amazon Video and Apple TV.