Warrior Nun

Warrior Nun is a 2020 action-drama series based on the comic book character Warrior Nun Areala by Ben Dunn. Available on Netflix, this show infuses elements of supernatural, conspiracy, and faith into an intricately interwoven plot set in modern-day Spain. Laden with captivating special effects and dynamic action sequences, this series manages to blend intense action with elements of the divine, shrouded in the mystery of an ancient, religious sect.

The series is centered around Ava Silva, a nineteen-year-old who wakes up in a morgue with a divine artifact embedded in her back and memories of her life before death nothing but a blur. The gimmick, however, is that this mystical artifact, known as the “Halo”, grants the bearer superhuman abilities, making her an instantly important figure within the religious and supernatural sectors of society.

Born into a world of rules and religious order, Ava finds herself an unwitting protagonist in the line-up of resurrected women ordained to fight demons on Earth. She is, in essence, a reluctant hero thrown into an age-old conflict between the forces of Heaven and Hell. As she struggles to understand the implications and responsibilities her newly-found existence holds, she must also navigate her way through admirers, foes, and those who wish to exploit her powers for their own sinister purposes.

The Warrior Nun's ten episodes take us on a roller coaster ride through the hallowed halls of the Vatican to the sun-drenched landscapes of Spain, exploring the intricate workings of an age-old secret society within the Catholic Church called the Order of the Cruciform Sword (OCS). This order, predating millennia, is essentially a military unit within the Church, comprising badass nuns trained in combat and spirituality, whose sworn duty it is to protect the world from the incursions of Hell.

While Ava grapples with her identity and role as the halo-bearer, she forms unusual alliances, gets acquainted with the mystical world of angels and demons, uncovers secret plots, and uncovers truths about her past. Between bouts of earthly battles, the series also delves into deep philosophical questions about divinity, belief systems, and individual autonomy — all set against a backdrop of stunning visuals and intriguing character arcs.

Despite the overarching theme of religion and faith, Warrior Nun never feels heavy-handed with its moral messages. Part of the appeal lies in how it fuses the gravity of the heavens with the light, everyday trials and tribulations faced by a young woman just trying to find her place in the world. This blend of action and emotion not only humanizes Ava's character but also offers viewers a broader take on life, sacrifice, and duty amidst the usual trope of good vs. evil.

Warrior Nun has an international cast, bringing together talent from around the globe. Portuguese actress Alba Baptista takes center stage, delivering a compelling performance as the show's Warrior Nun, Ava Silva. The supporting cast is equally impressive, featuring Toya Turner as Shotgun Mary, the tough, no-nonsense knight, and Joaquim de Almeida as Cardinal Duretti, amongst others, all contributing to the rich, multi-layered fabric of the series.

The series creators have done a commendable job adapting the comic book series for the screen. It not only remains true to the original story but also introduces new elements to make the narrative more engaging. The result is a seamless blend of the striking visual style of the graphic novels with the immersive nature of television drama.

In terms of production values, the series stands shoulder-to-shoulder with many high budget productions. It boasts well-coordinated action sequences, stunning special effects, beautiful set designs, and vivid cinematography, presenting an immersive visual spectacle that aids its storytelling power.

While there are moments throughout the series that are extremely intense and meant to shock, Warrior Nun also manages to strike a balance with its lighter moments, humorous banter, and an exploration of relationships, making it a character-driven action drama that appeals to an array of audiences. As the show delves into the idea of faith, freewill, and femininity, it also engages with themes of loss, hope, resilience, and empowerment.

In all, Warrior Nun creates an engaging symphony of drama, action, and the supernatural. With a gripping story, endearing performances, and inspired visuals, this show stands as a testament to the power of transforming comic book fantasy into TV reality.