Pathe Films and SBS Productions have revealed the first official image of Virginie Efira in the lead role in “Benedetta,” the new biopic about the controversial 17th-century Italian nun from celebrated and often controversial filmmaker Paul Verhoeven (“Elle” “Robocop,” “Starship Troopers”).
Originally announced in 2017 under the title “Blessed Virgin,” the story explores the rise and fall of the colourful figure of Benedetta Carlini, an abbess in 17th Century Tuscany. Carlini was hailed as a visionary and then later accused of fabricated miracles, homosexuality and other charges, and imprisoned for nearly four decades.
The film is based on historian Judith C Brown’s novel “Immodest Acts” and adapted by Gerard Soeteman (“Black Book”) and was shot in Italy over the summer ahead of a 2019 release in France.
The first look at Paul Verhoeven's 'Benedetta,' previously titled 'Blessed Virgin.' pic.twitter.com/D3ZPJlcSj5
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Source: Screen Daily
