Novitiate
- Director: Margaret Betts
- Writer: Margaret Betts
- Producer: Jessica Betts; Jenny Halper
CGiii Comment
There is no Sound of Music-esque sparkle in the mid-century nuns at the center of Novitiate, a gripping period drama about faith, sexuality, and power. Set against the backdrop of the liberal reforms of Vatican II, the struggles of the Reverend Mother (Melissa Leo) at a secluded Catholic school coincide with a teenage nun-in-training's devotional conflicts. Cathleen's (Margaret Qualley) home life is seldom peaceful. Entranced by the nuns at her school, she announces at 17 that she's 'in love' with God and entering the convent. There she finds a harsh environment of devotion, the strict hand of the Reverend Mother and the companionship of other girls similarly eager to show their love for God. Novitiate is a stirring exploration about women finding themselves, their faith and their passions beyond religion.
Trailer...
Cast & Characters
Margaret Qualley as Sister Cathleen;
Dianna Agron as Sister Mary Grace;
Liana Liberato as Sister Emily;
Denis O'Hare as Archbishop McCarthy;
Julianne Nicholson as Nora Harris;
Melissa Leo as Reverend Mother;
Eline Powell as Sister Candace;
Morgan Saylor as Sister Evelyn;
Maddie Hasson as Sister Sissy;
Chris Zylka as Chuck Harris;
Ashley Bell as Sister Margaret;
Chelsea Lopez as Sister Charlotte;
Rebecca Dayan as Sister Emanuel;
Marco St. John as Father Luca;
Lucie Carroll as Professed Nun