Zombie Jesus Day
Religious horror is risen!
It has risen indeed! Alleluia!
In the spirit of good-natured irreverence, I wish you a happy Zombie Jesus Day. He died for our sins, and one day, he will return to consume the brains of sinners and non-believers the world over. I think. I haven’t read the book.
Until then, as the specter of Christian Nationalism continues to linger over American politics, I offer you a selection of religious horror to soothe you, my fellow sinner.
Immaculate (2024)
Sydney Sweeney stars in Immaculate, the story of a young nun named Cecelia who travels to a convent in Italy. Shortly after taking her vows, she finds herself with child despite never having sexual contact. The religious ecstasy of her pregnancy soon darkens as she discovers the truth behind her immaculate miracle.
Because of its thematic content, the film begs comparison with Rosemary’s Baby (1968). However, the sensibilities of both films are drastically different. Immaculate, a product of contemporary horror tropes and the post-Dobbs political landscape, is a far more visceral viewing experience. It’s a nerve-jerker that runs on atmosphere and jump scares. Watching Immaculate is like walking through a haunted house. The scares are cheap, but that doesn’t make it a bad film. Cheap thrills are still thrilling.
For all the criticism Immaculate wants to levy at the Catholic church, it isn’t much of a thinker. The questions the film raises are far more interesting than the plot's answers. It’s a film that lacks theological complexity, trafficking in religious imagery familiar to godless laypersons such as myself. Those sacred symbols are ultimately wielded in a righteous display of bloody sacrilege that culminates in a tense, satisfying conclusion sustained by Sweeney’s acting prowess.
Immaculate is currently showing in theaters.
Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
Rosemary’s Baby, directed by convicted pedophile Roman Polanski, is a religious horror film fueled by paranoia. Rosemary (Mia Farrow) moves into a new apartment with her husband, Guy (John Cassavetes). Soon after, Rosemary becomes pregnant, but her blossoming domestic dream is dogged by her nosy neighbors (Ruth Gordon and Sidney Blackmer). Slowly, Rosemary begins to suspect that something is horribly wrong. As a woman in 1968, nobody will take her concerns seriously, a horror that strikes too close to home.
Rosemary’s Baby is currently streaming on Paramount+ and Showtime.
Saint Maud (2020)
Saint Maud, the directorial debut of Rose Glass, tells the story of a god-fearing hospice nurse charged with caring for a queer dancer whose life strayed from the path of righteousness. Unable to save her patient’s life, Maud becomes fixated on saving her soul, no matter the cost.
Saint Maud is currently streaming on Prime.
The Witch (2015)
Robbert Eggers’ directorial debut is an immersive period piece that follows a family cast out of Puritan society in 1630. They build a house on the edge of the forest and begin a new life. When their baby goes missing and their crops fail to feed them, the family seeks to root out the evil that is causing their suffering. Is it the work of a wicked witch hiding in the forest? Or is the source of their suffering already living under their roof?
The Witch is currently streaming on Max.
The Exorcist (1973)
William Friedkin’s masterwork is arguably the apotheosis of religious horror. When Reagan (Linda Blair) begins to act strangely, her mother (Ellen Burstyn) works with top medical doctors to determine if Reagan is sick or under the influence of something far more malevolent. It’s a riveting character drama that pits faith and superstition against science and reason, holding them in tension in a brilliant exploration of faith, innocence, and sacrifice.
The Exorcist is available for digital rental or purchase.
Until next week, bless your soul my dear film freak.