Coming Soon: Saint Clare (2024) by Mitzi Peirone: A Vigilante's Descent into Divine Darkness

Core Summary: The Righteous Killer and the Conspiracy Beyond

Saint Clare (2024), directed by Mitzi Peirone and based on Don Roff's novel Clare At 16, is a supernatural horror-thriller that delves into the disturbing world of a young woman haunted by mysterious voices. Clare Bleeker (Bella Thorne), a solitary orphan with a sociopathic streak, begins to kill individuals she perceives as "ill-intended," seemingly guided by these enigmatic voices, and manages to evade capture. However, her actions soon pull her into a dark rabbit hole riddled with corruption, human trafficking, and unsettling visions from beyond the veil. As the body count rises, Clare finds herself grappling with questions of identity, faith, and vengeance, forcing her to confront whether her divinely inspired vigilantism is a path to justice or a descent into madness, revealing a larger, more sinister plot at play.

Summary Short: Mitzi Peirone's Saint Clare (2024) is a supernatural horror-thriller where a young woman, haunted by voices, becomes a vigilante killer, uncovering a sinister conspiracy of corruption and trafficking as her actions blur the line between righteous justice and madness.

Mitzi Peirone's Saint Clare (2024) is a supernatural horror-thriller. Bella Thorne stars as Clare, a young woman driven by mysterious voices to kill malevolent individuals, leading her into a dark conspiracy involving corruption and trafficking, forcing her to question her sanity and divine purpose.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9024562/

Link Review: https://weliveentertainment.com/welivefilm/saint-clare-review-bella-thorne-shines-dark-thriller/

About movie: https://www.thefilmcatalogue.com/films/saint-clare

Release Date on Streaming: July 18, 2025

Detailed Summary: The Bleeding Heart of Justice

Saint Clare offers a complex and often unsettling narrative that blends psychological horror with vigilante action and supernatural elements.

• The Protagonist: Clare Bleeker (Bella Thorne) is a unique and challenging protagonist. Haunted by inexplicable voices since childhood, she possesses a distinct detachment from conventional morality, suggesting sociopathic tendencies. This makes her actions, though often targeting reprehensible individuals, morally ambiguous.

• Divine Guidance or Delusion?: The core mystery lies in the origin of the voices. Are they a manifestation of a mental illness, a sign of divine intervention, or something supernatural entirely? This ambiguity fuels the film's tension and Clare's internal struggle, as she questions why God has made her this way.

• Vigilantism and Escalation: Clare begins to act on the voices, assassinating those she deems "ill-intended" and initially getting away with it. This sets the stage for a grisly body count and positions her as an unconventional, morally gray vigilante.

• Uncovering a Conspiracy: Her latest kill inadvertently pulls her into a larger, more sinister web. She discovers a string of missing young women in her area, uncovering a deep-seated conspiracy involving corruption and human trafficking. This shifts the film from isolated killings to a broader mystery and a direct confrontation with organized evil.

• Supporting Characters and Their Roles:

  • Bob the mailman (Frank Whaley): A mysterious figure, possibly a ghost or an imaginary friend, who offers cryptic advice and hints at Clare's past actions and the broader conspiracy.

  • Gigi (Rebecca De Mornay): Clare's grandmother, who serves as the emotional heart of the film. She is desperate to protect Clare, highlighting the real-world consequences of Clare's actions and providing a grounding emotional counterpoint to Clare's detachment.

  • Ryan Phillippe's Role: While specific details are less defined, his character is clearly involved in the conspiracy, representing the direct antagonistic force Clare faces.

• Visual Style and Atmosphere: Director Mitzi Peirone uses a distinct visual language. The film often employs the aesthetic of "nostalgic coming-of-age movies" for the main narrative, juxtaposing it with "experimental techniques" (montage, layering, blurring, sound crescendos) during Clare's dissociative episodes. This creates a disorienting effect, reflecting Clare's fractured perception of reality.

• Themes of Identity, Faith, and Vengeance: As Clare delves deeper, the film probes profound questions about her own identity, her perceived mission ("a bigger mission than herself"), and the nature of justice and retribution. Religious undertones, including references to religious art and Joan of Arc, are woven in to add thematic depth.

• Juxtaposition of Worlds: The film deliberately contrasts Clare's "worn-down and distressed" house with the "clean lines and brighter world of college," creating a visual link between her internal struggles and her external environment.

Saint Clare is a dark, stylish, and challenging horror film that explores the blurred lines between sanity and madness, divine purpose and violent impulse, all wrapped in a chilling mystery of corruption and revenge.

Director's Vision: Mitzi Peirone's Stylistic Descent into Moral Ambiguity

Mitzi Peirone's directorial vision for Saint Clare is characterized by a bold, stylistic approach that aims to immerse the audience in the complex and disturbing mind of its protagonist, blurring the lines between psychological thriller, horror, and social commentary.

• Embracing Ambiguity and Internal Experience: Peirone intentionally crafts a narrative that keeps the audience questioning Clare's reality. Her vision is to make us experience the world through Clare's unique, often detached, perspective, using "experimental techniques" (montage, layering, blurring, sound design) to visualize Clare's dissociative episodes and the unsettling nature of her internal voices.

• Juxtaposition of Aesthetics: The director consciously juxtaposes "the visual language of nostalgic coming-of-age movies" with the grim realities of Clare's vigilante actions and the dark conspiracy she uncovers. This creates a disquieting contrast, highlighting the loss of innocence and the intrusion of evil into an otherwise ordinary world.

• Sociopathy as a Lens for Justice: Peirone aims to explore the "sociopath-as-protagonist" idea not for satire, but to present a unique perspective on justice and morality. Clare's inability to feel "bad about these things" is crucial to her being able to confront the horrors of trafficking, allowing the film to take viewers "out of their comfort zone in ways that would seem unrealistic with a more conventional character."

• Thematic Depth through Symbolism: Peirone's vision includes weaving in "references to religious art which add thematic depth and richness," connecting Clare's brutal actions to questions of faith, martyrdom, and the concept of a "saint" in a modern, violent context.

• Balancing Horror with Emotional Grounding: While the film is dark, Peirone ensures there's an emotional core, particularly through the character of Gigi (Rebecca De Mornay). This prevents the film from becoming purely nihilistic, allowing for moments of human connection and illustrating the real-world consequences of Clare's path.

Themes: Vigilante Justice, Sociopathy and Morality, Trauma and Dissociation, Faith and Divine Purpose, Human Trafficking and Corruption, Family and Loss, The Nature of Evil

• Vigilante Justice: Exploring the moral complexities of an individual taking the law into their own hands, especially when driven by ambiguous "voices."

• Sociopathy and Morality: Examining a protagonist who lacks empathy and traditional moral boundaries, and how this affects their actions and perception of the world.

• Trauma and Dissociation: The psychological impact of past loss (Clare's parents) and the manifestation of her unique mental state through voices and dissociative episodes.

• Faith and Divine Purpose: Questions surrounding whether Clare is divinely guided, a "saint," or simply deluded, and how religious imagery shapes her understanding of her mission.

• Human Trafficking and Corruption: The grim real-world evil that Clare confronts, exposing a dark underbelly of society.

• Family and Loss: The lingering impact of Clare's orphaned status and her grandmother's desperate desire to protect her.

• The Nature of Evil: A broad exploration of both the organized, systemic evil of trafficking and the more personal, internal evil within Clare herself.

Key Success Factors: Bold Protagonist, Stylistic Direction, and Timely Themes

• Compelling, Controversial Protagonist: Bella Thorne's portrayal of Clare, a sociopathic vigilante, is a bold choice that anchors the film and sparks debate.

• Distinctive Visual Style: Mitzi Peirone's blend of coming-of-age aesthetics with experimental horror creates a unique and memorable cinematic experience.

• Timely and Relevant Themes: Addressing issues like human trafficking, corruption, and the erosion of trust resonates with contemporary anxieties.

• Genre-Bending Approach: Fusing elements of psychological thriller, supernatural horror, and vigilante action appeals to a wide audience seeking something unconventional.

• Strong Supporting Cast: The presence of Rebecca De Mornay and Ryan Phillippe adds weight and talent to the ensemble.

Summary Short: A Concise Takeaway

Mitzi Peirone's Saint Clare (2024/2025) is a stylish and unsettling supernatural horror-thriller starring Bella Thorne as a young sociopathic vigilante guided by voices, lauded for its unique take on justice, bold visuals, and exploration of corruption and trafficking.

Awards & Nominations, Festival Showings and Early Buzz

Summary: "Saint Clare" has screened at notable genre film festivals, generating initial buzz, but has not yet secured major awards or nominations.

• Taormina Film Festival (2024):

  • Official Selection. The film had its world premiere at this Italian festival.

• FrightFest (2024):

  • Official Selection (UK Premiere). Screening at a prominent horror film festival indicates its appeal to the genre audience and early critical attention within the horror community.

Critics Reception, A Visually Striking but Tonally Uneven Thriller

Summary: Critics found "Saint Clare" visually arresting and anchored by a strong performance from Bella Thorne, but its ambitious blend of genres and themes often led to tonal inconsistencies and narrative struggles.

• The Film Verdict:

  • Described it as a "hugely enjoyable" and "maximalist filmmaking" effort, praising Bella Thorne's "finely calibrated performance" for anchoring the film's shifts from "fantastic to the procedural." It noted the film's underlying message about systematic abuse of women, despite its exaggerated scenario, and found it "utterly engaging" for genre lovers despite tonal unevenness.

• Love Horror:

  • Praised the film's visual presentation and Bella Thorne's "quiet intensity," seamlessly transitioning between innocent facade and cold killer. However, it found the narrative convoluted, attempting to juggle too many themes (religious fanaticism, feminism, societal indifference) and spreading itself too thin. The dialogue often fell flat, and the subplot of missing girls overwhelmed the main narrative.

• Eye for Film:

  • Found it a "busy story but it flows smoothly" due to Mitzi Peirone's direction, blending nostalgic coming-of-age visuals with experimental techniques for Clare's dissociative episodes. It highlighted Bella Thorne's compelling portrayal of a sociopathic protagonist and Rebecca De Mornay's "magnificent" performance as the grandmother. Considered it a "smart and pleasingly sophisticated adaptation" that entertains a broad audience.

• The Fright Club NI:

  • Criticized the film for struggling with its identity and being "a bit of a mess tonally" despite some fun scenes. While applauding Peirone's visual ambition, it found the "weird camera angles" and excessive movement "annoying" and "jarring." Also felt Bella Thorne was "miscast" and sometimes overacted, and the dialogue lacked weight. It summarized the film as having a "solid premise but sadly the execution is a bit off."

• My Bloody Reviews:

  • Called it a "highly entertaining slice of genre cinema" and praised Bella Thorne's "super" and "powerhouse performance," calling for award consideration. Highlighted Peirone's "masterclass in setup and execution" and described the film as "one-part Dexter and one-part American Psycho."

• Rue Morgue:

  • Described it as a "visually striking and intense meditation into the sense of isolation and quiet evil that haunts this world," driven by Bella Thorne's "sublime performance" and an "evocative, Gothic soundtrack by Zola Jesus."

• Overall Critics' Summary:

  • "Saint Clare" received mixed to positive critical reception, with a strong consensus on Bella Thorne's captivating and complex performance as its primary strength. Critics largely praised Mitzi Peirone's bold visual style and maximalist filmmaking, though some found her directorial flourishes and the film's tonal shifts to be uneven or jarring. The ambitious blending of psychological horror, religious symbolism, high-school drama, and social commentary (on misogyny and violence against women) was noted, often for its intriguing premise but sometimes for leading to a convoluted or unfocused narrative that struggled to fully develop all its threads.

Production Summary: US Horror-Thriller from Novel Adaptation

Saint Clare (2024/2025) is a horror/mystery/thriller film with a runtime of 92 minutes. It is directed by Mitzi Peirone and written by Mitzi Peirone and Guinevere Turner, based on the novel Clare At 16 by Don Roff. The film stars Bella Thorne as Clare Bleeker, Rebecca De Mornay as Gigi, Ryan Phillippe, and Frank Whaley as Bob the mailman. Other cast includes Bart Johnson, Dylan Flashner, Jan Luis Castellanos, and Luka Bazeli. Cinematography is by Luka Bazeli, and music is by Zola Jesus and Philip Klein. The film is a U.S. production.

Production Companies: Elevated Films (II), Balcony 9 Productions, Dead Rabbit Films

• Elevated Films (II)

• Balcony 9 Productions

• Dead Rabbit Films

Sales Companies: Foresight Unlimited

• Foresight Unlimited handled international sales for Saint Clare, securing distribution deals for territories including Eastern Europe (Daro), Spain (Inopia), UK (101 Films), Latin America (California Filmes), Scandinavia (Mis Label), Middle East (Selim Ramia), and Indonesia (PT Prima).

Distribution Companies: Quiver Distribution (USA)

• Quiver Distribution is the primary distributor for Saint Clare in the USA.

Streaming & Digital Release dates

United States

• Streaming/Digital Release: July 18, 2025

United Kingdom

• Streaming/Digital Release: July 21, 2025

Other Countries

• Specific international streaming release dates beyond the U.S. and U.K. haven’t been confirmed yet. Additional territories will likely follow soon after, depending on local distributors and platform deals.

Why to Recommend this Movie: For Dark, Stylish, and Thought-Provoking Horror

• Fans of Psychological Thrillers with Supernatural Elements: Recommend to viewers who enjoy films that delve into the disturbed psyche while hinting at forces beyond comprehension.

• Those Seeking Unconventional Protagonists: Ideal for audiences intrigued by morally ambiguous characters and anti-heroes, especially a unique take on a vigilante.

• Bella Thorne Enthusiasts: A must-see for fans of Bella Thorne, as it features her in a challenging and central leading role.

• Supporters of Stylistic Horror: For viewers who appreciate films that prioritize strong visual aesthetics, atmosphere, and experimental filmmaking techniques within the horror genre.

Why to Watch Movie: To Witness a Vigilante's Twisted Path to Justice

• Experience a Unique Premise: See a fresh take on the vigilante story, where divine guidance or mental illness drives a young woman to kill.

• Delve into Dark Themes: Confront uncomfortable truths about corruption, human trafficking, and the blurred lines between right and wrong.

• Appreciate Bold Direction: Witness Mitzi Peirone's distinct directorial style, which blends different visual aesthetics to create a unique and unsettling atmosphere.

• For a Chilling and Thought-Provoking Ride: Engage with a film that prompts questions about morality, faith, and the nature of evil, leaving a lasting impression.

Movie Trend: Elevated Horror and Anti-Hero Narratives

Saint Clare fits squarely into the trend of "elevated horror," where films use horror tropes to explore deeper psychological, social, or philosophical themes rather than just jump scares. It also aligns with the ongoing fascination with anti-hero narratives, featuring a protagonist who commits violent acts but for reasons that complicate simple moral judgments. The film further contributes to the trend of female-led revenge/vigilante thrillers, often exploring trauma and empowerment in a dark context.

Big Social Trend: Human Trafficking Awareness and Societal Distrust

The film directly addresses the critical social trend of increased awareness and concern about human trafficking and organized corruption, bringing a disturbing real-world issue into a fictional horror framework. Furthermore, Clare's distrust of established authorities (police not taking missing persons seriously) and her decision to take justice into her own hands reflect a broader societal distrust in institutions and the rise of individuals or groups feeling compelled to act outside conventional systems when perceived failures occur.

Final Conclusions: A Bold, Disturbing, and Stylistically Distinctive Horror Experience

Saint Clare is a bold, disturbing, and stylistically distinctive horror experience that delves into the dark psyche of a young vigilante navigating a world rife with corruption. Mitzi Peirone, in her nuanced direction, crafts a visually unique film that blends psychological thriller with supernatural horror, challenging audiences to question the blurred lines between divine purpose, mental illness, and righteous vengeance. Anchored by Bella Thorne's committed performance as the enigmatic Clare, the film bravely tackles grim themes of human trafficking and societal decay, making it a chilling and thought-provoking entry into the elevated horror genre. Despite its polarizing elements, Saint Clare stands out for its uncompromising vision and unsettling exploration of justice in a morally ambiguous world.

Recommendations for Film Makers: Mastering the Art of Moral Ambiguity

• Dare to Depict Complex, Unconventional Protagonists: Saint Clare bravely presents a sociopathic vigilante, challenging audience empathy. Filmmakers should be encouraged to explore characters with morally ambiguous or even disturbing psychological profiles. This allows for a deeper, more unsettling exploration of themes, pushing the boundaries of traditional hero/villain archetypes and creating memorable, thought-provoking figures.

• Utilize Stylistic Juxtaposition for Thematic Depth: Mitzi Peirone brilliantly contrasts "nostalgic coming-of-age" aesthetics with experimental horror techniques to reflect Clare's fractured reality. Filmmakers should consider how bold stylistic juxtapositions in visuals, sound, or narrative structure can amplify their film's core themes, creating a unique and disorienting sensory experience that mirrors the characters' internal struggles or the narrative's central conflicts.

• Integrate Real-World Horrors with Genre Elements: The film grounds its supernatural elements in the grim reality of human trafficking and corruption. Filmmakers can elevate genre pieces by weaving in pressing real-world social issues, using the fantastical or horrific elements as a lens to examine and comment on contemporary problems, making the film more resonant and impactful beyond its genre confines.

• Embrace Ambiguity in Supernatural or Psychological Elements: The film intentionally leaves the source of Clare's voices open to interpretation – divine, mental, or supernatural. Filmmakers should not shy away from leaving certain narrative or thematic elements ambiguous, allowing the audience to engage in deeper interpretation and debate, which can enhance the film's lasting psychological impact and rewatchability.

Recommendations for Movie Industry: Supporting Bold Visions in Genre Cinema

• Champion Diverse and Challenging Narratives: Saint Clare's complex portrayal of a female anti-hero tackling dark themes is a testament to bold storytelling. The industry should actively seek out and greenlight projects that challenge conventional narratives, particularly those that offer unique perspectives from diverse voices and explore uncomfortable but vital subjects within popular genres.

• Invest in Auteur-Driven Genre Filmmaking: Mitzi Peirone's distinct vision and stylistic choices are central to Saint Clare's identity. The industry should prioritize investing in directors with strong, singular artistic visions within the genre space, allowing them creative freedom to execute their unique approaches rather than forcing them into formulaic molds.

• Strategize for Targeted Niche Distribution: Films like Saint Clare may not appeal to all, but they deeply resonate with specific genre audiences. Distributors should develop robust strategies for identifying and effectively reaching niche horror and thriller fanbases through specialized festivals, digital platforms, and direct-to-consumer marketing, maximizing a film's cultural impact and financial viability within its target demographic.

• Recognize the Potential for "Elevated" Genre Films: The critical discussion around Saint Clare positions it as "elevated horror." The industry should continue to acknowledge and support films that use genre frameworks to explore deeper psychological, philosophical, or social themes, understanding that these movies often garner critical acclaim and appeal to discerning audiences, contributing to the genre's artistic growth.

"Saint Clare": A Bold, Stylized Descent into Divine Retribution

Mitzi Peirone's Saint Clare (2024/2025) is an ambitious and visually distinctive thriller that plunges into the dark psyche of a seemingly ordinary Catholic schoolgirl haunted by voices and driven to deliver violent retribution. Based on Don Roff's novel Clare at Sixteen, the film, co-written by Peirone and Guinevere Turner, is set for its US theatrical and VOD release on July 18, 2025, following earlier festival premieres at Taormina and FrightFest. Bella Thorne delivers a captivating and complex performance as the titular Clare, navigating the character's sociopathy, dissociative states, and perceived divine mission with compelling nuance. Critics lauded Peirone's bold maximalist filmmaking and striking visual aesthetic, which expertly mirrors Clare's internal turmoil. While the film's ambitious blend of psychological horror, religious symbolism, and social commentary sometimes leads to tonal unevenness or a convoluted narrative for some reviewers, it is widely recognized for its unique approach and its unflinching look at themes of abuse, justice, and the blurred lines between sanity and spiritual conviction. "Saint Clare" offers an engaging and unsettling ride for those drawn to a distinctive, character-driven genre piece that dares to explore dark impulses with a vibrant, unforgettable style.