Sister Death

"Sister Death" is a remarkable horror film for its stunning cinematography, with a palette of vibrant colors and dazzling lights that, if there were a category for Best Cinematography in Horror at the Oscars, would certainly deserve a nomination. Despite a plot that didn't fully engage me, the evocative atmosphere harks back to independent religious horror productions from the 60s and 70s.

Despite its imperfections, it outperforms previous films with a "nun" theme in the horror genre, such as "The Nun." However, some unresolved issues in the third act leave something to be desired, and there were certain points I didn't quite grasp, which might be due to my lack of recollection about "Veronica," the film to which this serves as a prequel. In summary, "Sister Death" is a visually stunning experience, though a more engaging narrative could have made it truly memorable.

I had the good fortune of seeing this at Sitges Film Festival today, and it delivers. In my experience the Spanish like their horror layered in religion, blood, nuns, blood, self-harm, long psychological turns, blood, religion, harm, and to top it all off add in a narrative of historical reference and voila! To me, it's like there should be a whole other category labeled S-Horror akin to K-Pop or J-Horror. But to the matter at hand!

I loved La Abuela, so have a hard time seeing its rating reaching only 5.9!? To be sure Paco Plaza this time around keeps Sister Death firing on all pistons. The black and white (white and black, if we are being Spanish Spanish) archival elements opening and closing, the completely believable religious environments, and the stupendous set design. Mwah, chef's kiss.

But let's talk SCREAMS. Aria Bedmar may just be the newest Scream Queen. My mind rushed with Linnea Quigley, again and again. And really, I wasn't expecting it, because should I have? Maybe. But man oh man it resonates, along with all the play on sight, eyes, and general ocular type things. Which for the record is not a spolier, just look at the movie poster.

In short, kudos to Plaza on another genuinely engaging horrific (in a good way) romp, give it a go -

As Greek Orthodox, the first observation after final credits was : "so...Romano -Catholic".

And, indeed, scene by scene, it reminds themes and atmosphere and motives of this confesion.

In same measure, a profound Spanish film, for precise reference to Civil war traumas to the rules of monastery and Marian aparitions.

Inspired photography, wise crafted story, fair construction of tension and admirable acting. And a great end, the venerable Narcisa in classroom being the great definition of essence of story.

I loved the work of Aria Bedman and the craft of each detail . Not original but beautiful made scene by scene, offering a precise circle of dark past and a honest circle of salvation.

From the trailer the film visually looked a little more like an independent film in the sense of having long shots and a fixed camera. I have to say that I liked it a lot, the atmosphere is well constructed, the actors do a good job and above all, as many here have said, it is better than The Nun. I haven't seen the movie Veronica, but after watching this movie I'm going to watch it. I, personally, had not seen a horror film so well constructed and so well crafted for a long time, I was left speechless. I like Spanish cinema, and this director has done it quite well. The photography, on the other hand, is spectacular, it should win the Goya award for best photography, I hope so.

Sister Death: A prequel to Veronica (2017) which gives the backstory of Sister Narcisca. As a child in 1939 she has a vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary and is much admired. In 1949 as a Novice she travels to a convent to join the teaching staff. The Reverend Mother warmly welcomes her but the stern Sister Julia doubts her sincerity. These two nuns are hiding a secret which is central to what follows. Narcisca sees visions, hears voices, she is guided to the basement where she finds the mummified hand fo a Saint, it had been missing since the Convent was ransacked during the Spanish Civil War. More hauntings occur and the atmosphere at the school becomes darker. Narcisca's investigations puts her in physical and spiritual danger, Not a great horror film but it does hold your attention, The mystery works well, who is child whose voice we hear? Why is Sister Sagrario missing? Quite a few jump scares as the tale leads to a grand guignol ending. The shadow of the Civil War hangs over this entire film. Directed & Co-Written by Paco Plaza, On Netflix. 7/10.