Sydney Sweeney gives a wickedly righteous and feral performance as a scorned nun turned rogue vigilante in the psychological horror film, Immaculate. Directed by Michael Mohan, who last collaborated with Sweeney in 2021’s The Voyeurs, Immaculate may fall short when it comes to convincing plot points but still, it is without a doubt an unforgettable, heart-racing, blood-soaked visceral experience. Immaculate opens in theaters this Friday, March 22nd.

Sweeney (Euphoria, The White Lotus) plays Cecilia, a young nun who suffers a near-death experience and subsequently decides to uproot her life in America for a fresh start in Italy. With a renewed sense of optimism and faith that she will find her purpose here, she arrives at the devastatingly beautiful convent set in the remote Italian countryside. This spiritual sanctuary, with its baroque architecture and longstanding religious legacy, is where she is prepared to call home for the foreseeable future.

The language barrier aside, Cecilia receives a mostly warm welcome from the other religious residents, including Mother Superior (Dora Romano), Father Sal Tedeschi (Álvaro Morte), and the rebellious Sister Mary (Simona Tabasco). Nuns of all ages who have devoted their lives to serving the church live on the property, and Cecilia finds the sisterhood comforting. However, the angelic facade deteriorates as she begins witnessing bizarre behavior and grotesque atrocities at the hands of the women she called sisters. Once Cecilia finds herself at the center of an unexplainable circumstance–falling pregnant despite being a virgin–all hell breaks loose.

Proving that she can confidently master the spectrum of emotional and physical exertion, Sydney Sweeney gives a mesmerizing performance as Sister Cecilia. From doe-eyed novice to bad-ass avenger, Sweeney gives it her all in a way we haven’t seen before. Her transformation over the film’s 89-minute runtime is captivating.

Immaculate isn’t without its flaws, however, especially in the script. For as strong as the first half of the film is, the plot seems to derail into goofy territory that leans more towards comedy than full-bodied horror. Suspension of disbelief isn’t so much suggested as it is required here, and even then some moments come across as a parody of a campy horror flick. Sweeney and company nail the performances, every supporting role is successfully unwavering in its impact, yet Immaculate pales in comparison to similar genre films with a more solid plot.

Those looking for a fun and freaky night out will find much to enjoy in Immaculate, despite its less-than-serious storyline. Sydney Sweeney proves that she has the range–and the vocal strength–to carry a horror film and watching her slowly spiral is sinfully sadistic. Immaculate made its World Premiere at the 2024 SXSW Film Festival and was nominated for the Audience Award in the Headliners category.