A Modern Crusade Against Invisible Evils

Read Time:3 Minute, 40 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Saint Clare
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Genre: Horror, Thriller
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 32m
Director(s): Mitzi Peirone
Writer(s): Mitzi Peirone, Don Roff, Guinevere Turner
Cast: Bella Thorne, Ryan Phillippe, Rebecca De Mornay, Frank Whaley, Bart Johnson, Dylan Flashner
Where To Watch: gets its UK Premiere at the 2024 FrightFest, which will be released later this year from 101 Films

RAVING REVIEW: SAINT CLARE illuminates the often unseen layers of a seemingly serene community, marked by an eerie calm that counters its fraught undercurrents. Bella Thorne delivers a riveting performance as Clare Bleecker, a character who transcends the typical “hero” mold by exacting what she believes to be divine retribution. As Clare confronts her dual nature of saint and sinner, the film immerses the audience in an environment where psychological intrigue meets spiritual dilemmas.

SAINT CLARE does more than just trace the surface of its lead character's psyche. Thorne's Clare is initially portrayed as a model of restraint but is internally driven by a divine command to cleanse her world of evil. This quest for moral purity escalates dramatically, plunging her into a psychological abyss where moral lines blur and eventually disappear—initially framed as a thriller, the narrative morphs into a complex discussion on redemption and spiritual unraveling, inviting viewers to accompany Clare on her harrowing journey to reconcile the darkness within and around her.

Director Mitzi Peirone, who is renowned for her innovative approach, constructs the film's narrative architecture. Alongside screenwriter Guinevere Turner and based on the novel by Don Ruff, Peirone infuses SAINT CLARE with rich allegorical references to Joan of Arc, positioning Clare as a contemporary warrior on a moral battlefield. This depth is augmented by historical and religious symbolism, prompting audiences to delve into the more profound implications of Clare’s tumultuous quest.

Thorne’s portrayal of Clare is a transformative journey that captivates with its intensity and depth. The ensemble cast, including Ryan Phillippe, Rebecca De Mornay, Frank Whaley, and Bart Johnson, enhances the film’s dynamic resonance, each contributing nuanced performances that underscore the film's thematic complexity. De Mornay, in particular, offers a seasoned wisdom that starkly contrasts with Clare’s fiery impulsiveness, grounding the narrative in a broader generational dialogue.

Visually, SAINT CLARE is a work of shadow play, with lighting that paints each scene with stark contrasts—reflecting the moral complexities Clare faces. Complemented by Zola Jesus’ haunting score, the film’s auditory and visual elements merge to create a profoundly atmospheric experience that pulls viewers deeper into its enigmatic world.

Breaking conventional genre molds, SAINT CLARE weaves horror, thriller, and drama elements into a seamless fabric that challenges viewers with profound moral questions. This is not just another counter-religious film; it's a moral exploration that resonates with contemporary societal dilemmas, making it pertinent to today’s audience.

SAINT CLARE offers a compelling look at the interplay between darkness and light within the human spirit. Anchored by Thorne’s standout performance and supported by a robust cast, the film leaves a lasting impact. It is a must-see for those who value narratives that challenge both the mind and the soul, encouraging a reevaluation of our moral compass in an increasingly complex world.

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[photo courtesy of 101 FILMS]

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