The nuns of St Theresa’s convent are isolated from the rest of society, living a cult like life and obeying the rules. One of the nuns, Sister Agnes, becomes unruly and suddenly dangerous, leading to assumptions of demonic possession. This kicks the story off in earnest, as Father Donaghue is called to the convent.
As events rapidly unfold at the convent, all building to a botched exorcism that Mary (Molly C. Quinn) witnesses, the filmmaking feels promising. Strong atmosphere is built up in this classic gothic horror setting (apart from the occasional bizarre input from a soundtrack) and it feels like all these interesting characters are intersecting and falling apart at the same time, building to a strong final third, one which never arrives.
The main issue with Agnes is the bizarre structure of the film, with the first two thirds taking place within the convent, and then the final third following Mary in her time after the convent, adjusting to the real world. On paper this feels like an interesting approach, but in execution, it is a jarring tonal shift that doesn’t result in anything approaching a satisfying payoff.
We rapidly lose the idea that this is Agnes’ film at all, and now follow Mary on a much less interesting journey. But then the same issue rears it’s head, that there wasn’t enough time spent on developing Mary in the first half in order for this shift to pay off.
There is definitely talent in the lead actress, but she just doesn’t get enough time or quality material to show it off.
Seen during the Fantasia Film Festival.
Rating = 2/5
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