Black Narcissus
1947 · Movie · NR · 100 min · ★ 7.5 · 93% critics
A small group of Anglican nuns is sent to a remote Himalayan outpost to turn an old palace into a school and hospital. As harsh weather, isolation, and cultural tensions mount, the mission becomes a test of faith and self-control, stirring buried memories and forbidden desires within the community.
Based on Black Narcissus
Where to watch
Watch free on Tubi — also streaming on HBO Max.
2 hours to watch.
Stream (included)
Streaming availability and prices may be inaccurate or change — verify with the provider before subscribing.
unSUB's subscription recommendations are informational only, not financial advice.
More value for your money
Similar titles, ranked by watch-hours per subscription dollar.
Details
- Years
- 1947
- Release date
- 1947-05-26
- Language
- English
- Rated
- NR
- Runtime
- 100 min
- Max quality
- HD
- Critic score
- 93/100
- TMDB rating
- 7.5/10 (550 votes)
About
You’ll likely enjoy this if you want a psychologically charged classic about faith, isolation, and repressed desire, with a vivid, dreamlike style like The Red Shoes; Not for you if you need fast pacing, subtle acting, or a plot-first story.
Pros: striking color visuals; tense, moody atmosphere; strong central performances | Cons: thin or uneven story; some overwrought acting; slow, predictable stretches
Themes
- based on novel or book
- himalaya mountain range
- nun
- mountain
- forbidden love
- india
- bengal
Awards & recognition
- Academy Award — Best Art Direction, Color · 1948
- Academy Award — Best Production Design · 1948
- Academy Award — Best Cinematography, Color · 1948
- Academy Award — Best Cinematography, Color · 1948 · nominated
- Academy Award — Best Art Direction, Color · 1948 · nominated
Cast & crew
Deborah Kerr
as Sister Clodagh
Sabu
as The Young General
David Farrar
as Mr. Dean
Flora Robson
as Sister Philippa
Esmond Knight
as The Old General
Jean Simmons
as Kanchi
Kathleen Byron
as Sister Ruth
Jenny Laird
as Sister Honey
Judith Furse
as Sister Briony
May Hallatt
as Angu Ayah
Directed by Michael Powell, Emeric Pressburger