I’ve always been fascinated by nuns and monks. It’s so interesting to me that anyone could dedicate their entire life to their faith in God. Having so much faith in anything at all seems incredible to me.
Anne Fontaine’s The Innocents (2016) is a study of what happens when those with extreme faith in God are shaken by horrific events and the chain of consequences that subsequently unfold.
Based on true incidents that took place in 1945 Warsaw, the story begins when a young French Red Cross doctor named Mathilde (Lou de Laage) heads to a rural convent after being tracked down by very frightened and frantic nun, Sister Maria (Agata Buzek).
Mild spoilers ahead:
Mathilde arrives to find a pregnant nun who is in very painful labor, and several other nuns who are in states of advanced pregnancy. We then find out that the nuns have endured "an indescribable nightmare," after a horrific Red Army occupation of the convent months earlier.
The film is beautifully acted by a nearly all-female cast. The dialogue feels so natural as each character grapples with their relationship with God and their faith. How could God have allowed such horrors to happen to these pious nuns? There’s a line said by one of the nuns, Sister Maria that really sticks out:
“At first you’re like a child holding your father’s hand, feeling safe, then a time comes — and I think it always comes — when your father lets go. You’re lost, alone in the dark. You cry out, but no one answers. Even if you prepare for it, you’re caught unawares.”
It’s just so sad to think of these nuns, who in so many ways are naïve and child-like, feeling completely abandoned by God. And on top of everything else, they have to live in fear of being shamed by their community for crimes enacted upon them! And then, as if that’s not bad enough, they live in constant fear of damnation because they “broke” their vow of celibacy. It’s just all so deeply fucked up and sad.
Visually this film is beautiful with stunning cinematography by Caroline Champetier. The feeling of a stark and cold Polish winter really comes through with the use of muted colors, dim lighting and simple (but elegant) compositions. I really enjoyed this movie, even thought it’s a difficult watch, and definitely recommend it for deep winter viewing. Available to stream here on the Criterion Channel.