Novitiate

Unable to find her place at home or with her peers at school, Cathleen (Margaret Qualley) finds solace with the nuns at her school and decides to turn to the Catholic Church to find meaning in her life. However, her place in the church is complicated as larger changes from the Vatican are on the horizon.

After her mother (Julianne Nicholson) decides she should take more interest in religion, Cathleen is immediately struck by the peace and calm that she experiences attending her first Catholic mass. Despite the misgivings of her decidedly irreligious mother (an anomaly in their small 1960s Tennessee town), Cathleen wholeheartedly pursues her newfound interest in God, which provides her with the intellectual stimulation and sense of security missing in her tense home.

Sure of her devotion, Cathleen dedicates herself to becoming a nun and joins a local convent, isolated from her family and the life she once knew. Encouraged by the camaraderie with her fellow postulants and the peaceful silence of her initial guidance under Sister Mary Grace (Dianna Agron), Cathleen moves forward with her training as a novitiate. However, as the Catholic Church finds itself on the verge of momentous change and her preparations increase in severity – bringing her in closer contact with the austere and demanding Reverend Mother (Melissa Leo) – Cathleen is forced to decide if the convent and her relationship with God can give her everything she needs.

Supported by outstanding performances, Margaret Betts presents an assured and beautifully captured feature debut. Her skilful and nuanced exploration of the pressures facing young Cathleen brings a palpable kindness and universality to her story.

“A piercing, immersive and superbly played convent drama.” – (Guy Lodge, Variety)

(text courtesy of CV Arts)

Doors open at 6:30 pm. Film starts at 7:00 pm.

Tickets available at the door.

Cost:

• Regular adult – $12
• CV Arts Members – $11
• Kids 13 & under – $5

For more information about this and future Cinefest films, please visit: http://columbiavalleyarts.com