After exploring the realms of superhero and romantic comedy, Sydney Sweeney, the versatile actress, adds another feather to her cap with the visually stunning and uniquely captivating film ‘Immaculate ‘. Directed by Michael Mohan from a script by Andrew Lobel, the film follows Cecilia (Sweeney), an American nun of unwavering faith, as she embarks on a new chapter in a remote convent nestled in the picturesque Italian countryside. What starts as a warm welcome soon becomes a nightmare, unveiling the sinister secret and unspeakable horrors lurking in her new home.
I first viewed “Immaculate” at the theater on the same day I watched the significantly superior “The First Omen.” Films depicting the offspring of Satan are not groundbreaking, yet it remains puzzling that film studios released these movies in such proximity. “Immaculate” is a film that left me feeling paradoxically torn. On the one hand, it’s hard to deny how Sydney Sweeney’s performance as Cecilia was utterly spellbinding; she guided us through her character’s emotional rollercoaster in a convent dripping with intrigue and shadowy secrets.
From a narrative standpoint and undeniably convenient, the Italian countryside’s compelling backdrop heightens the unsettling atmosphere long after the movie’s conclusion. As we delved deeper into the intricacies of convent life, I oscillated between admiration for the masterful construction of tension and fear and frustration with the narrative’s superficiality. Although it effectively layered dread upon dread, the outcome presented as a hurried cliché.
While ‘Immaculate’ showcases visually stunning moments and skillfully cultivates suspense, its overall substance falls short of its aesthetic appeal. Viewers may be dissatisfied with its tendency to prioritize style over narrative depth. For enthusiasts of atmospheric horror, the film may hold appeal, but the expectation of a gratifying resolution should be tempered.
Final Grade: C-
“Immaculate” is now available to stream on numerous platforms.
Songstress Ashanti was experiencing significant success with two platinum albums at the time of the release of her inaugural holiday project, “Ashanti’s Christmas,” on November 18, 2003. Her label head, Irv Gotti, produced most of the album. This project comprises four original songs co-written by Ashanti, in addition to six cover versions of traditional Christmas standards and carols.
Vocal quartet A Few Good Man contributed two songs to the project: a cover of “Silver Bells” and the ballad “Merry Christmas My Dear,” both of which were produced by Daryl Simmons. Demail Burks, David Morris, Aaron Hilliard, and Tony Amey were the members of the group, and after introducing themselves in the festive video for “Silver Bells,” it was only fitting that they delivered a ballad on the album.
R&B legend Luther Vandross had already solidified his place in R&B when he released his first holiday album, “This Is Christmas. Arriving in stores on October 24, 1995, “This Is Christmas” validates Vandross’s ability to sing anything.