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Novitiate

2017 · Movie · R · 123 min · ★ 6.4 · 80% critics

Drama

In the early 1960s, a young woman enters a convent to train as a nun, drawn by the promise of unconditional love and purpose. As church reforms arrive and strict traditions are challenged, she wrestles with faith, desire, and the pressure to conform inside an enclosed, demanding community.

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Details
Years
2017
Release date
2017-10-27
Language
English
Rated
R
Runtime
123 min
Critic score
80/100
TMDB rating
6.4/10 (186 votes)
About

You’ll likely enjoy this if you want an intense, character-driven drama about faith, control, and personal awakening in a closed community; Not for you if you dislike slow, heavy stories or religious conflict—try Shiva Baby for sharper tension.

Pros: strong performances; gripping emotional conflict; thought-provoking faith questions | Cons: slow in second half; uneven authenticity; themes feel shallow

Themes

  • sexual identity
  • nun
  • religious education
  • vatican (holy see)
  • confession
  • coming of age
  • mother superior
  • monastery
  • roman catholic church
  • woman director
  • faith tested
  • abuse
  • +2 more

Awards & recognition

  • Sundance Special Jury Prize Dramatic · 2017

Cast & crew

Directed by Margaret Betts