Novitiate

"So many people settle for a love that doesn't ask anything of them," Sister Cathleen Harris says at the beginning of "Novitiate." "I don't want that. I want an ideal love that I have to give everything to."

As a girl in an emotionally tempestuous home, Cathleen (Margaret Qualley) seeks peace in religious devotion, even though she wasn't "brought up in the faith." She decides to become a nun. But what does it mean to be married to God - not metaphorically, but actually? What is it like to live your entire life with no physical contact from the one you love -- and to live as only one member of an order of many women who are His wives?

This period drama explores and brings into question some of the deepest held beliefs of the Catholic Church as it stands on the brink of changing completely with the reforms of the Second Vatican Council.

In case the vows of chastity, poverty, and humility are not enough for Cathleen, her sadistic Reverend Mother (Melissa Leo) also demands extended fasting, self-flagellation, extreme acts of penance and humiliating public confessionals. Life in a convent in the 1950s and early 1960s is not for the weak and the wishy-washy. Though Cathleen is willing to do the work, the emotional and spiritual demands are excruciating, taking a toll on her physical health. Soon her desperation for physical contact leads to "a particular friendship" -- in other words, intimate contact with another nun.

More upsetting for most of the sisters, though, is the fact that the male patriarchy is coming in and telling them not to torture themselves. Basically, they're not special anymore.

The conflicts of the characters in this film, though certainly extreme, are always sincere. Writer and director Maggie Betts' feature film debut is an emotional investigation of a sometime confusing and quite controversial way of thinking - a fight between the material and the ideal that harkens back to the foundations of metaphysical philosophy. Where does matter end and spirit begin? And what does one do when they are told that everything they believe in is wrong and must change?

Cinematographer Kat Westergaard instantly sets the tone. Her photography simmers with sensuality - a backlit white habit becomes almost erotic, and the black and white robes can barely contain the smoldering desire of these austere women.

This Blu-ray offers a number of exciting special features including an alternate ending, deleted and extended scenes, director's commentary and a National Board of Review Q & A with the director and several of the actors.

"Novitiate"
Blu-ray Combo Pack
$24.99
www.NovitiateMovie.com/