Is Benedetta Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Benedetta is definitely worth watching if you enjoy History movies.
It features a runtime of 131 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Benedetta Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2021, Benedetta emerges as a significant entry in the History, Drama, Romance domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A 17th-century nun becomes entangled in a forbidden lesbian affair with a novice. Unlike standard genre fare, Benedetta attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any History is often anchored by its ensemble, and Benedetta features a noteworthy lineup led by Virginie Efira . Supported by the likes of Charlotte Rampling and Daphné Patakia , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Benedetta (2021) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.6/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Benedetta Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Benedetta is a History, Drama, Romance film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The film presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. A 17th-century nun becomes entangled in a forbidden lesbian affair with a novice. But it is Benedetta's shocking religious visions that threaten to shake the Church to its core. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Benedetta Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Benedetta concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to history resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the history themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Benedetta reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Benedetta Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Benedetta draws heavily from documented historical records. As a history, drama, romance film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, with attention to period detail and historical context.
Accuracy Assessment: Benedetta adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Benedetta?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy History films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Benedetta Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $24.4M |
| Worldwide Gross | $2.7M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Benedetta Budget
The estimated production budget for Benedetta is $24.4M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Advertisement
Full Cast & Crew of Benedetta
- Virginie Efira – Sister Benedetta Carlini
- Charlotte Rampling – Sister Felicita
- Daphné Patakia – Bartolomea
- Lambert Wilson – Nuncio
- Olivier Rabourdin – Alfonso Cecchi
Top Highlights
Virginie EfiraSister Benedetta Carlini
Charlotte RamplingSister Felicita
Daphné PatakiaBartolomea
Lambert WilsonNuncio
Olivier RabourdinAlfonso Cecchi
Louise ChevillotteSister Christina
Hervé PierrePaolo Ricordati
Clotilde CourauMidea Carlini
David ClavelGiuliano Carlini
Guilaine LondezSister Jacopa
Where to Watch Benedetta Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
MUBIParents Guide & Age Rating
Benedetta is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains romantic content.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.6/10, and global collection metrics, Benedetta stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2021 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Benedetta movie hit or flop?
Benedetta has received mixed reviews with a 6.6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Benedetta worth watching?
Benedetta is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of History, Drama, Romance movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Benedetta online?
Benedetta is currently available for streaming on MUBI. You can also check for it on platforms like MUBI depending on your region.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Benedetta
How Benedetta Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Benedetta
After living in a nunnery in Pescia since her youth, "Benedetta" (Virginie Efira) has visions that lead her to believe that she is speaking directly to Jesus. A somewhat sceptical Mother Superior (Charlotte Rampling) and her fellow nun "Christina" (Louise Cevillotte) have doubts, but those are not shared by an all-too-willing clergy and soon the young woman is the new Abbess. Simultaneously, the nunnery takes in the young "Bartolomea" (Daphne Patakia) from a torrid and violent relationship with her father and the two women become fast friends - with benefits! When the erstwhile Abbess flees to seek the intervention of the Papal Nuncio (Lambert Wilson) the full power of the church now confronts "Benedetta" - is she really a conduit from their Saviour, or is she no more than a fraud with "bestial" tendencies? The film looks stunning, the attention to the detail is excellent and Paul Verhoeven manages to delicately weave a story that demonstrates just how naive and gullible folks were in the 17th century; how fearful they were of god - and more importantly, the church and he uses the symbolism of the stigmata and of the crown of thorns to illustrate successfully the profound nature of deeply-held attitudes held by a largely ignorant, superstitious, population - especially as the plague approaches their city. It is based in fact, so the ending has limited scope for jeopardy; but Efira is superb in the role as are Cevilotte and Rampling - whose position as the story develops becomes quite an intriguing tightrope act. Sex features prominently, but none of it is gratuitous or seamy - it seems perfectly natural until used as a means of torture (and not in any kinky way!). Was she a charlatan? I know what I think...
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
