“He chose you, honey! From all the women in the world to be the mother of his only living son!”
Minnie Castevet-Rosemary’s Baby
Immaculate has an intriguing concept and a strong script, but its execution falls short due to uneven performances and uninspired direction. Sydney Sweeney stars as Cecilia, a young woman whose experience in a religious retreat spirals into something much darker. Sweeny’s performance leaves the character feeling one-dimensional in moments that should have been much more impactful. The ending is the one bright spot. It manages to tie together loose threads in a satisfying and thought-provoking manner, leaving you reflecting on its deeper themes long after the credits roll.
The script, written with precision, cleverly intertwines religious symbolism with horror tropes in a way that feels fresh. The dialogue is sharp, and the pacing of the plot keeps you engaged, particularly in the final act, where all the tension finally culminates in a shocking and impactful conclusion. It’s clear the story had the foundation to be a standout psychological thriller.
However, the film falters in two key areas: the acting and the directing. The cast, while competent, doesn’t deliver the emotional intensity the script demands. There are moments that call for raw vulnerability and fear, but the performances often feel flat and detached, pulling you out of the experience. The Sweeny, in particular, struggles to convey the depth of terror or inner turmoil that the character seems to be going through, which is a shame, given how strong the writing is.
Under Michael Mohan’s direction, the film’s pacing falters. Some scenes that should have built tension drag on too long, while others feel rushed and lacking in atmosphere. There are glimpses of Mohan’s stylistic ambition, but the overall tone feels muddled, preventing the horror elements from fully taking hold.
Immaculate is a frustrating film because you can see the brilliance in the writing and how much better it could have been with a stronger cast and more dynamic direction. The ending will stick with you, but the journey to get there feels like it could have been much more engaging. It’s a missed opportunity, but one that might still appeal to fans of slower, more cerebral horror—if they’re willing to overlook the film’s shortcomings.
Rating: 5/10
