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Benedetta is a 2021 historical drama film directed by Paul Verhoeven and starring Virginie Efira as Benedetta Carlini, a young girl who became a nun in the 17th century. It is based on Judith C. Brown's book Immodest Acts: The Life of a Lesbian Nun in Renaissance Italy. The film begins with Benedetta being taken in by the nuns of the Convent of Santa Caterina in Pescia, Italy. She quickly gains a reputation for her religious visions and is declared a miracle worker by the Church. However, she also becomes romantically involved with a fellow nun, Bartolomea (Daphne Patakia), and their relationship is discovered by the Mother Superior (Charlotte Rampling), who realizes that Benedetta's visions are not genuine.

As Benedetta's influence grows, she becomes embroiled in political machinations between the Church and the local ruler, the Grand Duke of Tuscany. The film explores themes such as power, corruption, and faith, while also depicting the struggles faced by women during this time period.

The performances in Benedetta are top-notch, particularly that of Virginie Efira. She brings a nuanced and complex portrayal to her character, conveying both Benedetta's religious fervor and her inner conflict when it comes to her sexuality. Charlotte Rampling is also excellent as the stern and calculating Mother Superior, while Daphne Patakia provides a compelling counterpoint to Benedetta's more idealistic outlook.

Technically, the film is well-made, with lush images of the Italian countryside and the ornate interiors of the convent. Verhoeven's direction is confident and assured, allowing the story and characters to breathe while also infusing the film with his signature irreverent humor.

Overall, Benedetta is a thought-provoking and engaging historical drama that explores themes of religion, sexuality, and power. It is a must-see for fans of the genre, as well as anyone interested in the history of the Catholic Church and the portrayal of LGBT characters in film.

Benedetta is a 2021 history movie. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 75.