There is such warmth and wisdom in these women standing together, that what at first appears to be a story of unimaginable suffering quickly reveals itself to be a celebration of astonishing strength.
The pacing here is on the torpid side but Fontaine probes away in provocative and intelligent fashion at the nature of faith (“24 hours of doubt and a minute of hope” as one nun calls it) and how it sits alongside the women’s survival instincts.
The Innocents is a film full of horror and dread that barely shows us anything. Be thankful for that last fact.
It pales in comparison with, say, Paweł Pawlikowski’s Ida. Yet it is fervently and strongly performed.
The Innocents builds into a heartbreaking history lesson with compelling performances throughout.
This powerful tale of sexual abuse of nuns in wartime Poland recalls both Ida and Of Gods and Men.
Played with restraint and individuality by a fine ensemble, this is a moving but provocative study of belief, duty, compassion and acceptance.
General release. Check local listings for show times.
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