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Behind Convent Walls (Interno di un Convento) is an Italian horror film directed by Walerian Borowczyk and released in 1978. The film depicts the lives of a group of nuns living in a secluded convent during the 17th century. The story is centered around Sister Benedetta, a young nun who is filled with lust and desires that conflict with her religious vow of chastity.

The film begins with the arrival of a new priest, Father Urbain, to the convent. Upon his arrival, Father Urbain is greeted by the mother superior who insists on showing him around the convent. During their tour, Father Urbain meets Sister Benedetta who is responsible for taking care of the sick and infirm.

As the film develops, Father Urbain's presence in the convent becomes more problematic; he has re-emerged and reconnected with his sexuality, despising chastity and concentrating on Benedetta, who coincidentally struggles with the same issues. As the story unfolds, it is revealed that Benedetta has been having secret sexual affairs with a local aristocrat who lives just outside the convent walls. Father Urbain becomes an unwitting witness to Benedetta's illicit affair and tries to intervene, setting off a chain of events that lead to a profane blending of religious and secular themes.

Behind Convent Walls is dominated by religious and sexual tension and the conflicts that arise from repression. The film is rich in religious imagery, symbolism, and iconography, making it an interesting study of religious eroticism. The movie is also known for its cinematic sensuality and graphic nudity, which some viewers may find unsettling.

The movie's lead actress, Ligia Branice, delivers a remarkable portrayal of a troubled and confused young nun. Her performance is nuanced, emotional and convincing, bringing the tortured character of Sister Benedetta to life. Supporting performances by Howard Ross, Marina Pierro and Elizabeth Ray add depth and richness to the story line.

The setting is another key element in Behind Convent Walls. The convent is located near the wooded hills of Tuscany, Italy, and its austere stone architecture is both beautiful and haunting. The cold and dark hallways of the convent, combined with the gloomy soundtrack, create a palpable sense of dread and foreboding that is both atmospheric and unsettling.

In terms of cinematography and visual effects, Behind Convent Walls is well executed. The film is filled with beautiful and meticulously crafted shots that showcase the beauty of the Italian landscape, while also establishing a haunting and immersive atmosphere that transports the viewer to another time and place. The overall effect is a sensory experience that is both captivating and haunting.

The movie's storyline also features elements of political intrigue and class conflict, as the nuns struggle to maintain their autonomy and independence in a society dominated by religious and political hierarchies. The conflict between the nuns and the outside world is portrayed with subtle nuance and complexity, making the narrative even more intriguing and captivating.

In summary, Behind Convent Walls is a haunting and atmospheric horror film that explores themes of religious eroticism, repression, and class conflict. The film is driven by strong performances by its lead actors, a captivating and haunting setting, and beautiful cinematography. It is an interesting study of the intersection of religion and sexuality, and a must-see for fans of cinematic horror and atmospheric filmmaking.

Behind Convent Walls is a 1978 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.9.