The horror genre is in a strange state as of 2024. While there’s been no shortage of releases this year, the quality of them leaves something to be desired. Horror releases this year have ranged from mediocre to outright bad and it gives one a real sense of whiplash from the quality of titles that were released last year. Which is why it gives me immense pleasure to tell you that Immaculate is the first great horror film of 2024.

Directed by Michael Mohan, Immaculate tells the story of aspiring nun Cecilia traveling all the way from the United States to Italy to finish her studies in a new parish after hers was dissolved. While she’s welcomed with open arms with higher ranking officials in the parish, she’s treated and seen as an interloper by lower members. This all comes to a head after a night of drinking has her discover that not all is as it seems in this newfound home of hers. Obviously Immaculate uses a “Nunsploitation” premise/hook similar to films seen in the Italian 70’s era. Where Immaculate truly shines though is how it’s able to subvert these expectations and deliver something a bit more whip-smart and far more blasphemous from anything seen in those films.

From the ferocious opening, Mohan makes it clear he’s here to put you into an uncomfortable mood for the film’s entire 89 minute runtime. That feeling is conveyed through gorgeous cinematography framing the old halls of the parish as desolate and lonely places. The entire time a creeping feeling builds up as if you’re in a setting that you shouldn’t be in. It’s truly unsettling. This feeling carries over into other avenues of imagery including costuming that borrow inspiration from biblical texts and repurposes it as a form of failure or prison. Images that traditionally bring comfort twisted into unrecognizable forms of uneasiness.

Immaculate’s story for the most part plays it safe, at least until the final act when the Mohan and Sweeney show their full hands. Those keen on the horror genre will film comparisons to The Omen or Rosemary’s Baby at the forefront of your mind for most of Immaculate’s jump-scare filled runtime. What really impressed me though is how many of these setups turn out to be red herrings for the sake of a reveal that felt like a punch to the gut. Immaculate takes a surprising turn in this regard and becomes this year’s Barbarian or Malignant and I had an absolute blast watching it unfold to its bloody finale that has lingered in my mind since.

I need to take a moment to praise lead star Sydney Sweeney. It’s no secret that I’ve been a fan of her work since The White Lotus and Euphoria, but she truly shows what she’s capable of as an actress in Immaculate. From quiet and timid moments to blood-curdling bouts of panic and horror. Sweeney is given ample opportunity to stretch her dramatic skills to limits not seen in previous projects. Make no mistake though that at times the film does feel like a one woman show as her supporting cast is often regulated to what feels like background performances. On more than one occasion it felt as if when a character got too much screen time, they were quickly written out of the script.
Overall, Immaculate is a wonderful horror film. It uses an underutilized nunsploitation set up to lure in viewers to what may seem like a standard religious horror film, only to pull the rug out from under them with a reveal that rivals the likes of Barbarian. Without diving into spoilers, Immaculate may have  one of the most shocking/blasphemous endings I’ve ever experienced that had me hooting and hollering in my seat. It’s a swing that so few religious horror films take, but one that I’m glad it did. Combine that with excellent direction and a fantastic performance from Sweeney and you truly have the first great horror film of 2024.

Grade: A-

Oscar Prospects:
Likely: None
Should be Considered: None

Release Date: March 22, 2024
Where to Watch: In Theaters