Sydney Sweeney, the rising star who shone in “Anyone but You” and hosted “Saturday Night Live,” solidifies her status in the industry with her first foray into horror. Despite her commendable performance in Neon's “Immaculate,” the film disappoints by falling notably short of exceptional in its ambition and execution.
Stepping into the role of a scream queen, Sweeney plays Cecilia: a devout woman embroiled in mysteries within a secluded Italian convent. Despite her outstanding performance, the rest of the film's cast and the storytelling lack the same level of intensity, leaving the audience wanting more.
While horror enthusiasts may be inclined to compare “Immaculate” to the Giallo genre, the comparisons stop at its Italian horror setting. Unlike Giallo, known for its vibrant cinematic expressions, “Immaculate” disappointingly falls short in its visual and thematic undertones. The lack of clarity concerning the film’s time period might also prove distracting.
The supposedly suspenseful setting, a crossroad of life and religion, fails to leave its mark. The film grapples with the underdeveloped theme of Cecilia's miraculously conceived child, opting for jump scares over exploring the potential religious or supernatural overtones.
Despite the film's shortcomings, Sweeney's acting prowess and commitment to challenging roles shine through, particularly in an impactful final scene that may lead audiences to question whether they've watched a good movie or merely a good ending.
“Immaculate” premiered at the SXSW Film Festival and opens on March 22nd.
