Power, lust, and betrayal simmer behind convent walls in this Italian nunsploitation drama.
THE NUN AND THE DEVIL
In the convent of St. Archangel, there is a struggle for lust & love.
During the 1570s, in the convent of Sant'Arcangelo di Baiano, after the death of the mother superior, a power struggle rages on, as one nun, who comes from a powerful family, is willing to do anything to become the new abbess.
The Nun and the Devil is a 1973 French-Italian drama-horror film directed by Domenico Paolella about the ruthless struggle for power and forbidden passions among nuns in a 16th-century convent.
- Director
- Domenico Paolella
- Writers
- Tonino Cervi, Domenico Paolella
- Release
- 1973
- Runtime
- 1h 40m
- Country
- France, Italy
- Language
- Italian
- Also Known As
- The Nun and the Devil, St. Arcangelon nunnat, Die Nonne von Verona, Sisters of Satan, As Freiras de Santo Arcângelo, Les religieuses du Saint Archange
Synopsis
Meanwhile, a corrupt church hopes to benefit from an aristocratic donation to the Convent, before launching an inquisition into the lubricious and corrupt activities of the inmates of the Convent. There then follow graphic scenes of torture as miscreant nuns are stripped naked and tortured with a variety of devices in order to elicit a confession of their misdemeanours. The film ends with a resonant condemnation of the power hungry and corrupt church by Sister Julia after she has been found guilty and compelled to take poison to end her life.
Why Cult
Sisterly devotion takes a backseat to lust, lesbian affairs, and forbidden trysts, all set within the cloistered shadows of a 16th-century Italian convent.
The battle for the position of Mother Superior is steeped in betrayal, manipulation, and deadly ambition as Sister Julia stops at nothing to claim the abbess’s throne.
This film doesn’t shy away from the brutal consequences of sin, serving up graphic torture and executions during the convent’s inquisition.
The lavish set pieces and costumes bring the 1570s to lurid life, amplifying the film’s blend of historical drama and genre-bending provocation.
Trailer
Questions from the Vault
What is The Nun and the Devil about? +
The Nun and the Devil centers on the fierce struggle for power, sexual intrigue, and corruption among the nuns of a 16th-century Italian convent following the death of the Mother Superior.
When was The Nun and the Devil released? +
The Nun and the Devil was released in 1973.
Who directed The Nun and the Devil? +
The Nun and the Devil was directed by Domenico Paolella.
How long is The Nun and the Devil? +
The Nun and the Devil has a runtime of 100 minutes.
What genre is The Nun and the Devil? +
The Nun and the Devil is a drama and horror film.