The Stream: Religious horror movie tropes abound and weak jump scares.

The Big Screen: Sydney Sweeney goes for the scream queen crown.

The Final Bill: While entertaining in its off-kilter storytelling, this movie may not scratch your horror movie itch.

– Trip Fontaine
Director: Michael Mohan
Writers: Andrew Lobel
Stars: Sydney Sweeney, Álvaro Morte, Benedetta Porcaroli, Dora Romano
Genre: Horror, Drama
Rating: R for strong and bloody violent content, grisly images, nudity and some language.
Runtime: 81 minutes
Production Companies: Black Bear, Fifty-Fifty Films, Lupin Film
Platform: In theaters March 22, 2024
Notable Trailers: The Strangers: Chapter 1, Cuckoo, Abigail

What’s up, Streamers! Sydney Sweeney has been having a busy year. From the surprising hit romantic comedy, Anyone But You, to the not-so-surprising bomb, Madam Webb, Sweeney has been a staple in the theaters in early 2024. Here she comes with another genre film in the religious-themed horror movie, Immaculate. In Immaculate, Sweeney plays Sister Cecelia, an extremely devout, young nun, who has been invited to an exclusive convent in Italy. As Sister Cecelia gets settled into her new surroundings, things start to get weird as they typically do in these kinds of films. Look, the movie is called Immaculate and Sister Cecelia is a devout, virgin nun. Put the pieces together. Odd conception and bloody hijinks ensue.

Immaculate is not the horror movie I thought it would be. The movie has jump scares, but it is not actually scary. The setting is creepy because there are odd characters and shocking moments throughout, but once you know what’s going on, that creepiness goes away. The story is preposterous but in a fun way that makes you anticipate the climax. The Italian convent and countryside look great and there is some interesting cinematography as well. The real selling point for this movie is Sydney Sweeney. She’s very good. Yes, she mumbles, but she also gives a good, frightened performance. She makes Sister Cecelia worth rooting for, and I don’t think she does as many dumb things as characters in these movies usually do.

Ultimately, Immaculate is a decent addition to the religious-themed horror movie canon. It doesn’t really deliver the scares, but it has an entertaining story and some creepy elements. Sydney Sweeney and her performance sell the movie. She’s frightened enough for all of us. It’s not essential viewing, but you won’t be bored. Grab a bowl of popcorn for mid-afternoon matinee.