I recently watched the film "Novitiate" (2017), an American production directed by Maggie Betts. The movie explores the eternal conflict between old and new, tradition and innovation, age and youth. Set against the backdrop of Vatican II reforms, it delves into the internal struggles of a young girl seeking to embark on a path deeply captivating to her, yet one that clashes with the understanding of the religious authorities.
Throughout the film, the questions linger, "What do you want?" and "What are you looking for?" The apparent answer seems clear: the young girl is in pursuit of divine love. However, as our own Hafez wisely puts it, love appears easy at first but leads to challenges. This romantic quest, within the framework of Catholic Church beliefs concerning human relationships, both interpersonal and divine, and the higher-level connection between religious institutions and their followers on one side and God on the other, weaves a complex yet captivating and tumultuous narrative.
The film skillfully navigates the duality of spirit and body, love and power, principles and emotions, independence of thought and faith, authority, and flexibility. It vividly portrays the dichotomies that unfold in the world of religious devotion.
In "Novitiate," despite the potential for exploring the dualities of religious and non-religious perspectives, the director chooses to focus on the internal religious critique within the framework of the Vatican reforms. The film offers valuable lessons and reflections on the intricate relationship between faith, traditions, and personal convictions.
Throughout the film, the questions linger, "What do you want?" and "What are you looking for?" The apparent answer seems clear: the young girl is in pursuit of divine love. However, as our own Hafez wisely puts it, love appears easy at first but leads to challenges. This romantic quest, within the framework of Catholic Church beliefs concerning human relationships, both interpersonal and divine, and the higher-level connection between religious institutions and their followers on one side and God on the other, weaves a complex yet captivating and tumultuous narrative.
The film skillfully navigates the duality of spirit and body, love and power, principles and emotions, independence of thought and faith, authority, and flexibility. It vividly portrays the dichotomies that unfold in the world of religious devotion.
In "Novitiate," despite the potential for exploring the dualities of religious and non-religious perspectives, the director chooses to focus on the internal religious critique within the framework of the Vatican reforms. The film offers valuable lessons and reflections on the intricate relationship between faith, traditions, and personal convictions.