The Nun (1966)

In the heart of eighteenth-century France, a young woman named Suzanne Simonin finds herself ensnared in the iron-clad grip of religious piety, coerced into taking vows as a nun against her will. This tale, a faithful adaptation of Enlightenment philosopher Denis Diderot's searing critique on religious abuses, breathes life into Suzanne's journey, as she navigates her way through the daunting labyrinth of monastic life. Her path is influenced by three distinct Mothers Superior: Madame de Moni, Sister Sainte-Christine, and Madame de Chelles, who each cast a unique shadow over her existence. These maternal figures oscillate between roles, embodying a spectrum of treatment from nurturing compassion to sadistic persecution, and even veering into the realm of unspoken lesbian desire. Yet, Suzanne's unwavering virtue surfaces as a double-edged sword, as it brings about a torrent of disaster, not only for herself but for all those entwined in her life. This riveting narrative is a spectral dance of innocence, virtue, and resilience, illuminating the stark truth of religious malpractices in a time shrouded in darkness. The Nun (1966) is a poignant exploration of a woman's struggle for freedom amidst the confines of faith, painting a haunting portrait of the human spirit's indomitable will to survive.

The Nun is a drama movie featuring Anna Karina.

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

It is also possible to buy The Nun on Kino Now.