Watch Mother Joan of the Angels

Mother Joan of the Angels is a 1961 Polish film directed by Jerzy Kawalerowicz, based on a true story that took place in the 17th century. The film is set in a small village in Poland where a group of nuns are possessed by demonic forces, and Mother Joan, played by Lucyna Winnicka, is brought in to perform an exorcism. The film opens with a group of nuns from the convent walking in a trance-like state through the forest. The local bishop, alarmed by their behavior, sends Father Suryn, played by Mieczyslaw Voit, to investigate. Upon arrival, he meets Mother Joan, a stern and determined nun who seems to have a grasp on the situation, and proceeds with the exorcism of the nuns.

As the exorcism begins, Mother Joan and Father Suryn are confronted with the full force of the nuns' demonic possession, which manifests in a barrage of physical attacks, screaming, and foul language. Mother Joan is undeterred, however, and proceeds with the exorcism, using a combination of prayer, physical restraint, and holy water to drive out the demons.

As the exorcism progresses, tensions rise between Mother Joan and Father Suryn, as she becomes increasingly convinced that the demons controlling the nuns are a manifestation of their own suppressed desires and repressed sexuality, while Father Suryn maintains that the demons are truly external entities from hell.

The film is a work of slow-building tension and atmosphere, shot in stark black and white, with a muted color palette that only highlights the intensity of the exorcism scenes. The performances from the lead actors are excellent, with Lucyna Winnicka in particular delivering a powerhouse performance as the determined and conflicted Mother Joan.

What sets Mother Joan of the Angels apart from other films in the exorcism sub-genre is its emphasis on psychological and sexual themes rather than overt displays of demonic possession. The film explores the themes of sexuality, desire, repression, and religious fervor in a deeply nuanced and layered way, with much of the horror coming from the tension and conflict between the characters rather than external entities.

Throughout the film, Kawalerowicz maintains a sense of ambiguity, never fully committing to a definitive explanation for the demonic possession, leaving the audience to draw their own conclusions about the nature of the forces controlling the nuns. This ambiguity lends the film a haunting quality that lingers long after the credits have rolled.

Overall, Mother Joan of the Angels is a masterful example of psychological horror, a haunting and compelling exploration of the inner demons that haunt us all. Its impact on the horror genre cannot be overstated, and its influence can be felt in films as diverse as The Exorcist, The Witch, and Hereditary. For fans of intelligent, atmospheric horror, Mother Joan of the Angels is an absolute must-see.