The Nun (2013 film)


The Nun is a 2013 French drama film directed by Guillaume Nicloux. It is based on the 18th-century novel La Religieuse by French writer Denis Diderot. The film premiered in competition at the 63rd Berlin International Film Festival. It received two nominations at the 4th Magritte Awards, winning Best Actress for Pauline Étienne, and a nomination at the 39th César Awards.

Plot

The young Suzanne Simonin is forced by her parents to become a nun. She learns that as an illegitimate child, she is expected to atone for her mother's sin. Her abbess treats her kindly, but when the abbess dies and another takes her place, Suzanne considers breaking her vows. Due to the maltreatment she undergoes, she is thrown into a world of punishment. It is not until a friend gives Suzanne some hope that she may not have to remain a nun forever that Suzanne's punishment lifts.

Cast

The Hollywood Reporter Jordan Mintzer highlighted that director Nicloux and his co-writer Beaujour breathed new life into the classic story by making the protagonist "much more of a fighting spirit" and by adding a "revised ending". He said this film was "held together by a terrific lead performance". Varietys Boyd van Hoeij certified the film was "slickly assembled" and frequently provided a "painting-like" cinematography. Cine Vues Patrick Gamble judged The Nun suffered from an "inability to deviate from absurdity".

Awards and nominations