Benedetta Carlini was a 17th-century mystic in the Tuscan city of Pescia; she claimed to have visions of Jesus and would occasionally get stigmata (scars similar to those left on Jesus’s body by the crucifixion). She was also in love with a fellow nun. Carlini became the head of the abbey at a very young age as most people believed in her claims, until an investigation by the Papacy revealed that she was faking it. Benedetta, directed by Paul Verhoeven, is a retelling of the story of Carlini.
Carlini is admitted to the abbey at a very tender age. For years, she believes that she has a husband in Jesus, until she develops feelings for another nun. Carlini knows that unlike her affection for an imaginary husband, this love is forbidden, but gives in to it anyway. Her lover, Bartolomea, disapproves of Carlini’s claims of visions and mystical wounds, while the head of the abbey is suspicious of them. Carlini manages to hoodwink most people, and even those who do not believe her are silenced as the ‘miracles’ bring fame and wealth to the abbey. However, when a tragedy befalls the nunnery, it becomes increasingly difficult for Carlini to stay in character.
Benedetta, which premiered at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival, is a highly provocative tale of love, guilt, religious indoctrination and greed.