St. Agatha

St. Agatha is a 2018 horror slash thriller movie directed by Darren Lynn Bousman, who has a reputation for making audience’s skin crawl with his previous works such as "Saw II", "Saw III", and "Saw IV". In this film, Bousman attempts to delve into the genre of religious horror, with the narrative centered around a modest convent in a small town in 1957 Georgia.

The film stars Sabrina Kern in her breakout role as Agatha, a pregnant woman looking for respite from her troubles in a world that has been unkind to her. Kern delivers a compelling performance, effectively depicting a woman on the edge, seeking shelter and a better future for her unborn child.

Carolyn Hennesy also delivers a chilling performance as Mother Superior, the severe, domineering, and unnervingly enigmatic head of the convent. Courtney Halverson is featured in the movie as well, stepping into the role of Catherine, another one of the ‘sisters’ in the convent. All the performances combine to create an atmosphere of creepy anticipation and tension.

In 'St. Agatha', we watch as Agatha, desperate and on the run from her abusive boyfriend, seeks refuge in a convent. The movie uses the character's tragic background story and her vulnerability as a pregnant woman, allowing it to emotionally engross the audience from the start.

At first glance, the convent presents itself as a safe haven for women in need, but slowly it reveals a darker, more sinister side behind the pristine facades of religious piety. Mother Superior, with her cruel dominance, utilizes faith as a weapon of control, taking advantage of the desperate women seeking refuge under the convent’s roof.

The convent’s disturbing secrets slowly unfold, as Agatha struggles to account for her faith against the backdrop of her dire circumstances. As the film progresses, the audience witnesses a weaving of psychological horror and physical violence, causing them to question the line where faith ends and fanaticism begins.

'St. Agatha' is far from the average horror movie, because it doesn’t rely solely on the traditional elements of supernatural horror or gore to terrify the audience. Instead, the film is centered around the psychological torment of the characters as they interact within a claustrophobic and oppressive setting.

The movie further leverages its period setting, using the social and cultural constructs of the 1950s to intensify the power dynamics portrayed. It deeply roots itself in the reality of the times, making the narrative intriguing and the suspense real. It highlights the plight and struggles of women in a society that perceives them as weak, relying on the powerful performances of the actresses to bring the claustrophobic dread to life.

The cinematography in 'St. Agatha' helps to build an atmosphere of tension and unease. With cold, muted colors and tension-filled silences, the audience is led through the dark corridors of the convent, along with its darkest secrets. The music further complements the setting, adding a layer of chill to the horrifying ordeal of the characters trapped in the convent.

However, 'St. Agatha' isn't all about horror or fear. It also incorporates themes of survival, resilience, and hope. The protagonists are more than just victims of circumstances – they are survivors, each one battling their own demons and the terror that engulfs the convent.

In the end, the true horror of 'St. Agatha' is not about ghostly apparitions, but the human capacity for evil and manipulation. It presents a chilling narrative exploring the boundaries of faith and the disturbing darkness that can exist behind a pious facade.

In conclusion, 'St. Agatha' is an engaging addition to the genre that relies on its strong acting, its claustrophobic setting and a finely crafted storyline to provide plenty of tense and chilling moments. This movie will appeal to fans of psychological horror, films that subvert the norms of the genre, and those who enjoy explorations of historical societal norms. Though not for the faint-hearted, 'St. Agatha' is a film that stays with you long after the credits have rolled.