Plot: What’s it about?
Flavia (Florinda Bolkan) has been placed in a convent, where she will live the life of a nun and experience little of the outside world. But this decision was not hers, instead her father demanded she do so and took the needed steps to ensure it happened. Flavia is unsure why the men are given all the power to make such decisions, but she remains silent most of the time. As time passes however, she sees more and more injustices around her, ones which cause her to question her faith and develop a hatred for men. After she witnesses a man raping a woman, she finds herself both repulsed and intrigued, a reaction that causes even more doubt within herself. But after a while, she flees the convent and seeks to discover the world, which turns out to be a short trek, as she captured and returned. As punishment for her defiance, Flavia is beaten, whipped, and tortured, which only enhances her inner hatred. She finds some comfort in Sister Agatha (Maria Casares), who shares her doubts and hatred. With support from her newfound friend, Flavia starts to plot a rebellion against the convent. She plans to lead a force of Muslims in an attack on the convent, one which would level those inside. But if she is able to carry this plan to fruition, will it give her the inner peace she desires?
The selection of “nunsploitation” pictures on DVD is sparse, but now there’s at least one more out there, as Synapse has released Flavia the Heretic. And what a release it is, as this twisted movie is presented in an uncensored version, which means all the sex, violence, and other atrocities are all intact. This is the kind of movie that needs to be seen in total too, as it is loaded with scenes that are certain to stun even diehard exploitation fans. I wouldn’t say this is the most graphic and horrific movie I’ve seen, but Flavia the Heretic is a sadistic, nasty picture that is bound to shock and offend most audiences. The content here is brutal enough in any context, but when weaved in with religion and such, the impact is enhanced. The violence and brutality against women here is intense, so if harsh depictions of sexual violence, sadistic torture, or the like are too much for you, Flavia isn’t a chick you’ll want to spend time with. The movie keeps up a brisk pace and never lets down in terms of shocks, especially as it winds toward the finale. The final act holds the most surreal and graphic moments here, with Flavia facing her gruesome fate. Not the kind of movie to show at your weekly church fellowship, but Flavia the Heretic is a powerful picture. I recommend it to fans of exploitation cinema, but for anyone else, this one might be too brutal.
Its hard to imagine being the lead here, as Flavia is put through countless acts of torture, abuse, and humiliation. But Florinda Bolkan turns in a more than solid performance, despite the twisted nature of the material involved. Not the kind of material that makes it easy on its actors, especially the female workers, but Bolkan was up to the task. I have to think it was a harsh stretch during production, given the scenes she had to endure, but perhaps that fueled her performance, as the pain comes through on screen, to be sure. Bolkan had some experience in offbeat cinema, including some work with Lucio Fulci, so she was somewhat prepared for this experience. Even so, she faces a chain of horrific moments in Flavia the Heretic, the kind that few stars ever have to endure, so I doubt she was totally prepared. Even so, she overcomes the stresses and delivers a more than solid effort that enhances the movie. Other films with Bolkan include Don’t Torture a Duckling, A Lizard in a Woman’s Skin, The Damned, The Devil’s Bed, and Collector’s Item. The cast also includes Maria Casares (The Testament of Orpheus, Children of Paradise), Claudio Cassinelli (Slashdance, Island of the Fishmen), and Laura De Marchi (The Beyond, A Simple Heart).
Video: How does it look?
Flavia the Heretic is presented in 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen. This new treatment looks excellent, much better than expected. I knew Synapse would deliver the best possible edition, but this is much cleaner and crisper than anticipated. The print has minimal defects, so debris is minimal and as grain is low, the visuals are never held back. I think fans will be stunned by how slick and refined this transfer is, especially when compared to import releases. The colors have a stable, natural presence and flesh tones are consistent, which is good, since there’s a lot of flesh on display in this one. I found contrast to be smooth and well balanced also, thanks to some stark black levels that keep the detail level just right. And this is a dark movie at times, so its impressive to see such well handled black hues. Not much else to report here, as Synapse has outdone themselves and given this cult picture a gorgeous presentation.
Audio: How does it sound?
An English language soundtrack is found here, which is the best audio option, since the leads both speak English. As with a lot of low budget overseas productions, the cast members speak in different languages, then the producers simply dubbed in assorted languages, for the various international releases. In terms of technical merits, the included mono track is decent, but it has some age related flaws. But these are minor pops and a few instances of hiss, so no major wear signs are present here. The music is clean and sounds good here, while dialogue is as good as we can expect in this case. I am more than satisfied with this soundtrack, as it has no serious defects and provides an acceptable presentation.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This includes an interview with star Florinda Bolkan, as well as a selection of poster artwork & still photos.
