THE INNOCENTS

THE INNOCENTS

It’s inconceivable that this little-known and reprehensible post World War II story of brutality and inhumanity against catholic nuns is based on actual events.

Set in Poland in 1945, the story centers on a group of nuns living in a convent who are impregnated after being sexually abused by Soviet soldiers. They cannot find consolation in prayer and wish they had alternatively been killed. Fearing damnation they ask, why did God allow this to happen?

A French red-cross doctor named Mathilde (Lou de Laage) provides medical assistance and vows to keep the nun’s indescribable nightmare a secret, as they fear rejection and certain eviction from the new regime.

A tragic story which ironically leads to positive new beginnings for the nuns, also details a sinful twist from within the convent to prevent scandal and disorder.

This confronting story is beautifully filmed and darkly graded to enhance the intensity and gruesome atmosphere. Harrowing sequences of nuns giving birth (which are possibly the first in motion picture history) are disconcerting, but clearly resonate the war crimes perpetrated upon the innocent.

This remarkable story of the fragility of faith, trust, friendship and courage was a hit at the recent French Film Festival and indisputably flourishes in excellence.

★★★★1/2

Reviewed by Mark Morellini

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