Immaculate, the 2024 American horror film starring Sydney Sweeney, is now available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Viewers have been sharing their reactions online, with many praising the film and Sweeney's performance despite initial reservations about the actress.
The film centres on Cecilia, played by Sweeney, a young nun who is invited to join a prolific convent in Italy. After drowning in a frozen lake and being pronounced dead for seven minutes, Cecilia becomes convinced that God saved her. With a newfound purpose, she turns to Christianity and later receives a special invitation from Father Sal Tedeschi to join the convent.
Plot and reception
After converting to a nun and joining the convent in Italy, Cecilia begins having nightmares of hooded figures. She soon realises she is pregnant, despite being a virgin. One night, while pacing the convent, she hears the screams of a woman and investigates, witnessing a hooded figure cutting out the woman's tongue.
One review on Rotten Tomatoes reads: "Religious horror has a unique way of getting under my skin. There’s something about the blend of faith, guilt, and supernatural terror that always sticks with me, and Immaculate delivers on all fronts." Another fan shared: "One of the best horror films produced. Beautifully executed throughout the whole production; tickled my senses. Thank you! No feedback to give; speechless."
Sweeney's performance praised
Alongside Sweeney, the film stars Álvaro Morte, Benedetta Porcaroli, Dora Romano, Giorgio Colangeli, and Simona Tabasco. However, it is Sweeney's performance that fans continue to highlight, even those who were not previously fans of hers.
One person said: "SHOCKED by how good this turned out to be. First of all, I do not particularly like Sydney Sweeney and do not get how she became such a big deal. But I saw the reviews and decided to give it a shot. I was surprised at what a good job she did, how novel the plot was, the nuanced symbolism of the images, everything." Another viewer claimed that "Known for her looks, this movie showcased that Sydney Sweeney does in fact have the acting chops!"
Comparisons and availability
One criticism the film has received is that it draws similarities to The First Omen, which was released around the same time and shares similar religious settings and themes of female bodily autonomy. Horror fans, however, are happy to enjoy both narratives alongside each other.
Immaculate is available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.
