The Ghouls explore Immaculate, a psychological horror film that delves into themes of bodily autonomy and the dark side of faith through the story of a nun's involuntary pregnancy. We also tackle the systemic misogyny within the Catholic Church, examining how nuns are marginalized and how the Church’s stance on reproductive rights reflects hypocrisy. Join us as we unpack the chilling connections between this horror narrative and real-world issues surrounding women's rights, control, and abuse within religious institutions.
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Immaculate (2024)
Cecilia, a woman of devout faith, is warmly welcomed to the picture-perfect Italian countryside where she is offered a new role at an illustrious convent. But it becomes clear to Cecilia that her new home harbors dark and horrifying secrets.
Directed by Michael Mohan
Immaculate: Pregnancy Horror that Mirrors Our Reality
by gabe castro
RED: Quotes, someone else's words.
Synopsis
Immaculate is a psychological horror film that delves into themes of motherhood, faith, and the societal control over women's bodies. Young, American nun Cecilia arrives at the Italian convent with little more than a suitcase and a shaky grasp of Italian, setting the tone for her vulnerability in this strict, eerie environment. When asked what drove her to make the decision to live her life in a convent (a waste the police officers believe given her young, supple body - great use of Sydney Sweeney!) To which she responds that it wasn’t ever a choice, it’s not her decision.
We’d already seen how dark the convent could be—when the film introduced us to the convent with red-veiled nuns burying a novice alive for trying to escape. But Cecilia settles into this safe haven where the nuns care for each other and have established themselves as a home for “wounded birds,” women with nowhere else to go - with no choices. Cecilia spends her days caring for aging nuns, forming a bond with Sister Guen, who shares a cynical outlook on Father Sal and the convent's culture. Guen is an agnostic who sought refuge in the convent to escape an abusive ex. The isolation is palpable, amplified by the language barrier and the oppressive control exerted by the nuns and priests, who see her more as a vessel for their hopes than as a person. Her happy nunnery life is quickly halted after some unsettling nightmares and interactions with older nuns who’re mentally unwell. Things take a turn when Cecilia unexpectedly vomits, hinting at her mysterious pregnancy.
The male authority figures at the convent start scrutinizing her chastity, declaring her fetus was "conceived without sin." The religious figures in the story view her as a means to an end, a vessel - to bring forth the new Christ, reinforcing how powerful institutions can exploit women's bodies. In a powerful climax, Cecilia, bloodied and in labor, unleashes a fierce resistance against her oppressors. The graphic depiction of childbirth, along with symbolic imagery—like her being dressed up as a modern-day Blessed Virgin—really underscores the film’s commentary on societal control over women's bodies.
Immaculate is a bold horror film that dives deep into the struggles surrounding women's reproductive rights and bodily autonomy, all through the gripping journey of Cecilia. It's a thought-provoking exploration that shines a spotlight on the intense physical and psychological impacts of losing control over one’s own body. The film's rich symbolism and powerful narrative make it a must-see, as it beautifully illustrates the resilience required to push back against oppressive forces.
As Cecilia navigates her harrowing experience, viewers are left not only terrified but also contemplating the broader implications of her story. It’s a chilling reminder of the fight for autonomy and the very real struggles that women face today. Immaculate manages to intertwine horror with real-world concerns in the shadow of a country hell-bent on reducing women’s personhood.
Horrors of Pregnancy in a Post Roe v. Wade America
The surge of pregnancy body horror in films has become a poignant reflection of the societal anxieties in post-Roe v. Wade America. Following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, restrictions on abortion and reproductive rights have intensified, raising urgent concerns about women's autonomy over their own bodies. The intersection of horror and societal critique becomes particularly compelling, drawing audiences into a thrilling yet thought-provoking experience that reflects pressing issues in our world today.
Filmmakers are harnessing the horror genre to critique these pressing issues, presenting pregnancy and childbirth in unsettling and graphic ways. Immaculate, The First Omen, Apartment 7A, and Alien: Romulus all dive into the chilling theme of invasive pregnancies born from non-consensual encounters. Each narrative brings a unique twist to the concept of pregnancy, transforming it into a metaphor for the loss of bodily autonomy. These films don’t just touch on the horror of unwanted pregnancies; they plunge us into the deep, unsettling waters of violation and control. They resonate with viewers by amplifying societal anxieties about reproductive rights and consent, creating a haunting reflection of real-world struggles. It’s fascinating to see how these filmmakers tap into such intense themes, showcasing the psychological and physical turmoil faced by their characters. These narratives powerfully symbolize the invasive nature of forced pregnancies, often portraying women as mere vessels for reproduction, overshadowing their personal dreams and well-being.
Immaculate dives into this issue by presenting a difficult and overtly symbolic story about a nun who finds herself pregnant without having had sex. This miraculous yet involuntary pregnancy is a representation of her loss of bodily autonomy. We can see how external forces can manipulate and control women's bodies, stripping them of their choices. Our current external forces are the new abortion laws cropping up across the country which are putting the lives of women in danger - in a variety of ways. The film mirrors those restrictive abortion laws that force women to carry unwanted pregnancies to term, even in cases of rape or incest. Or the laws that deem a fetus’ life more important than the full human carrying it, forbidding surgeries on pregnant women - even if their lives are actively threatened. We’ve already been informed of deaths, preventable deaths, that have occured because of this ruling and the Trump Administration’s effects on women’s health and freedoms.
The film's graphic imagery—like violent morning sickness, losing teeth, and physical constriction—really drives home the horrors of forced pregnancy. And despite being revered, Cecilia is denied proper medical care and resorts to faking a miscarriage in hopes of getting to a hospital. An eerie reflection of our current landscape, where the welfare of an unborn child is prioritized over the mother’s own well-being. These disturbing scenes tap into the fears many women face as access to safe and legal abortions becomes more restricted.
Choosing a nun as the protagonist is intentional as it adds an extra layer of restriction and lack of power. Nuns symbolize purity and chastity, and their bodies are often viewed as sacred. By placing a nun at the center of an involuntary pregnancy, the film highlights a profound violation of personal and spiritual sanctity. This coupled with the decision to cast Sydney Sweeney whose body has been commodified, oversexualized, and been subject to public scrutiny for nearly her entire career enhances the film's critique of how society polices women’s bodies, making her role even more impactful. Sweeney in an interview with Variety, shared her objectified existence and what inspired her to sign on as producer for this film, “People feel … free to speak about me in whatever way they want, because they believe that I’ve signed my life away. That I’m not on a human level any more, because I’m an actor.” As Cecilia is adorned in flashy garments, much unlike her chaste and pious nun uniform, she’s the new Virgin Mother, only significantly more heartbroken and terrified we see how this “miracle” is more nightmare to the young woman. A powerful close-up shot captures Cecilia’s inner conflict as she stands frozen, tears in her eyes, feeling trapped in a situation she never agreed to.
It’s so important that Cecilia is a nun - a person who’s life is already in the hands of the church. We see how women's bodies are controlled and exploited by institutions—be they religious, political, or societal. This control is often masked as morality or tradition, yet it ultimately oppresses women. What’s particularly interesting is how the film subverts religious beliefs, transforming them into something sinister. The convent, which is supposed to be a place of sanctuary and faith, instead becomes a setting where those very beliefs are twisted to exert control over Cecilia. It highlights the darker side of religious doctrine, suggesting that what is often viewed as sacred can also be oppressive. This contrast makes the story even more compelling, as it forces us to confront how easily faith can be weaponized against individuals, particularly women.
Then there’s the male authority figures, priests, who represent these powerful institutions that impose their will on women’s reproductive choices. Father Sal and the other priests, the ones who aggressively questioned Ceclia’s loyalty, belief and chastity, do not care about Cecilia in the least. They view her as the vessel for their savior and the abuse they put her body through nails that point home. They don’t care what shape her body is in in the end, because hers is the body that doesn’t matter. As Margaret Atwood's dystopian novel The Handmaid’s Tale cautioned, the convergence of far-right politics, male dominance, and religious ideologies can lead to women's bodies being treated as state property, subjected to cruel restrictions and control.
Overall, the film mirrors this loss of autonomy and emphasizes the invasive control exerted by legal and societal forces over women's reproductive choices. Immaculate is not just a horror film; it's a compelling commentary on the ongoing struggles for reproductive rights in today’s society.
Holy Hypocrisy: Examining the Catholic Church's Stance on Women and Abortion
by Kat Kushin
RED: Quotes, someone else's words.
Misogyny imbedded in the Systems of the Catholic Church
In the Catholic Church, nuns do not hold positions within the formal clerical hierarchy, which is exclusively male. The hierarchy of the Catholic Church is structured as follows
Pope
The supreme leader of the Catholic Church.
Cardinals
Senior church officials appointed by the Pope, who typically oversee large dioceses or hold significant roles within the Vatican.
Archbishops
Bishops of higher rank who oversee archdioceses, which are more significant dioceses.
Bishops
Leaders of dioceses, responsible for overseeing the priests within their jurisdiction.
Priests
Ordained ministers who lead individual parishes and perform sacraments.
Deacons
Ordained ministers who assist priests and bishops but do not perform all sacraments.
Nuns, or religious sisters, are women who have taken vows within a religious order. They dedicate their lives to prayer, community service, and various ministries, but they do not receive Holy Orders and thus are not part of the clerical hierarchy. Their roles are often focused on education, healthcare, and social services, reflecting their commitment to the Church's mission and values. Despite their significant contributions, nuns are often considered to have a "second-class" status within the Church, as highlighted in various documents discussing their experiences and challenges. All positions of status within the church being exclusively male sets the tone of how oppression towards women would be systemic and unchanging.
The Hypocrisy of the Catholic Church on Abortion
The Catholic Church has long been a vocal opponent of abortion, advocating for the sanctity of life from the moment of conception. However, this staunch pro-life stance is marred by instances of hypocrisy, particularly when examining the Church's internal contradictions and the experiences of nuns who have faced abuse and forced abortions.
The Catholic Church's opposition to abortion is deeply rooted in its interpretation of the Bible. Key scriptural passages are often cited to support the pro-life stance. For instance, Psalm 13913-16 speaks of God's intimate knowledge of the unborn child "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb." Similarly, Jeremiah 15 states, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart." These verses are used to argue that life begins at conception and that every unborn child is known and valued by God. However as noted in an article titled The Catholic Church Has No Moral Argument on Abortions “They don’t always include the final part of that statement which states “I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” That seems to imply that this is more of a prophecy specific to Jeremiah than it is something that generally applies to everyone.”
The Church also references the Ten Commandments, particularly the commandment "Thou shalt not kill" (Exodus 2013), to assert that abortion is a form of murder. This interpretation has been a cornerstone of the Church's moral teaching, leading to its unwavering opposition to abortion in all circumstances. However it seems they are fine with it when it comes to covering up the crimes of priests, or “in the name of god”...*cough* crusades cough
Biblical Instances of Abortion
Interestingly, the Bible also contains passages that suggest a more complex view of abortion. One such passage is Numbers 511-31, which describes a ritual for determining a wife's fidelity. If a husband suspects his wife of infidelity, he brings her to a priest who makes her drink a bitter water mixture. If she is guilty, the mixture causes her to miscarry. This passage indicates that abortion was used as a test of loyalty, complicating the Church's claim of a consistent biblical pro-life ethic.
Nuns Speaking Out in Favor of Abortion Rights
Despite the official stance of the Catholic Church, some nuns have courageously spoken out in favor of abortion rights, challenging the binary pro-life/pro-choice narrative. One notable figure is Sister Teresa Forcades, a Benedictine nun and medical doctor. Forcades argues that women should have the autonomy to make their own decisions regarding abortion. She contends that the Church's teachings can be interpreted in a way that respects both the sanctity of life and the dignity of women. Her views have sparked significant debate and controversy within the Catholic community, with some labeling her as "The Nun of the Devil."
Forcades' stance highlights the internal conflicts within the Church regarding abortion. She believes that her perspective is compatible with the Gospel and Church teachings, emphasizing the need for a more nuanced understanding of the issue. Her advocacy for abortion rights underscores the complexity of the moral landscape within the Church and the need for open dialogue and reform.
The Tragic Stories of Abused Nuns
The hypocrisy of the Catholic Church's pro-life stance is starkly evident in the MANY stories of nuns who have faced sexual abuse and forced abortions at the hands of priests. Reports have documented numerous cases where nuns were sexually exploited by clergy members, leading to pregnancies. In many instances, these nuns were coerced into having abortions, often arranged and paid for by the priests involved. The Pope even admits that this is a known issue, meaning it is widespread enough that they can’t hide it.
One of the most comprehensive studies on this issue was conducted by the late Sister Maura O'Donohue, who reported that nuns were considered "safe" sexual partners for priests who feared contracting HIV from sex workers or women in the general population. Her findings revealed that harassment and rape of nuns by priests were alarmingly common. When nuns became pregnant, they were often forced to undergo abortions, further compounding their trauma.
The #NunsToo movement has brought these issues to the forefront, demanding accountability and justice for the victims. Former nuns have called on the Pope to launch inquiries into the sexual abuse and forced abortions they endured, highlighting the need for systemic change within the Church. In the article The Catholic Church Has No Moral Argument on Abortions they quote another article from BBC in 2019, where Pope Francis admitted there has been clerical abuse of nuns, including sexual slavery. The BBC reports, "He said the Church was attempting to address the problem but said it was 'still going on.'"
Current Stance on Abortion in the United States and Its Impact on Autonomy and Health
As of now, the legal landscape of abortion in the United States is highly fragmented and varies significantly from state to state. The Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization in 2022 overturned Roe v. Wade, which had federally protected the right to abortion. This ruling has allowed individual states to set their own abortion laws, leading to a patchwork of regulations across the country.
States with Restrictive Laws
Several states have enacted highly restrictive abortion laws, including near-total bans and severe limitations on when and how abortions can be performed. States like Texas, Alabama, and Missouri have implemented laws that make it extremely difficult for individuals to access abortion services.
States with Protective Laws
Conversely, states like California, New York, and Illinois have passed laws to protect and even expand access to abortion services, ensuring that individuals in these states retain the right to choose.
Threats to Autonomy and Health
The current state of abortion laws in the United States poses significant threats to the autonomy and health of individuals with uteruses. Here are some key concerns
Post Roe v. Wade being overturned, states across the U.S. have enacted some pretty drastic abortion laws.
Total Abortion Bans
Alabama: Bans nearly all abortions with no exceptions for rape or incest—only if the mother's life is at serious risk can an abortion be performed.
Arkansas: Similar to Alabama, it only allows abortions to save a mother’s life in a medical emergency.
Six-Week Bans
Texas: Senate Bill 8 (SB8) bans abortions around six weeks, often before many people even realize they’re pregnant. It also lets private citizens sue anyone involved in an abortion.
Georgia: Their "heartbeat" bill bans abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected, typically around six weeks.
Trigger Laws
Louisiana, Kentucky, and South Dakota: These states had "trigger laws" that immediately banned abortions after the overturning of Roe v. Wade, usually only allowing exceptions if the mother's life is at risk.
Waiting Periods and Mandatory Counseling
Missouri: There’s a 72-hour waiting period between the consultation and the abortion, which can delay access significantly.
Utah: Enforces a similar 72-hour wait and requires counseling that often includes information aimed at discouraging abortion.
Restrictions on Medication Abortion
Oklahoma: Has put laws in place that limit medication abortions, requiring individuals to visit a doctor in person for both the prescription and the medication itself, which can be a barrier for those in rural areas.
Bans on Specific Procedures
Ohio: The state has banned the dilation and evacuation (D&E) procedure, the most common method for second-trimester abortions, except when the parent’s life is at risk.
These laws have created significant barriers to accessing safe and legal abortions, pushing some people to seek unsafe alternatives or carry unwanted pregnancies to term. Critics argue that this disproportionately affects low-income individuals, BIPOC communities, and those living in rural areas, worsening existing healthcare inequalities.
Additional issues when it comes to just overall safety and bodily autonomy of individuals with uterus’ even outside abortions. Thinking of ectopic pregnancies, or miscarriages, poses the potential for the holder of the pregnancy and the doctor to face jail time for completing life saving procedures.
Next Steps & Ways to Help
Creating a Safety Plan:
As an FYI on RAINN:
Resources for Abortion Access:
The State by State tracker for Planned Parenthood claims ”Restriction status last updated on September 1st, 2021”, so here is a link to what seems like a completely updated State by State tracker of abortion access currently:
Petitions you can sign:
Ways to Donate:
General contextual information about the impact of Roe v. Wade:
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