New Movies: Saint Clare (2024) by Mitzi Peirone: A Vengeful Soul's Descent into Darkness
- dailyentertainment95
- Jul 19
- 9 min read
Movie Summary: The Vigilante's Rabbit Hole
"Saint Clare" is a dark, character-driven mystery thriller that follows Clare Bleecker, a Catholic schoolgirl haunted by mysterious voices, who becomes a vigilante assassin targeting "ill-intended" men. Her latest kill pulls her into a rabbit hole of small-town corruption and sex trafficking, blurring the lines between divine mission and disturbed reality, as she navigates a world filled with both genuine evil and her own internal struggles.
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9024562/
Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/saint-clare (US), https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/saint-clare (Canada)
Detailed Summary: Shadows of Righteousness and Corruption
The Vigilante's Calling: Clare Bleecker is a Catholic schoolgirl convinced that voices guide her to kill those who harm others. She acts with a disturbing sense of divine purpose, believing she's enacting God's will.
A Fatal Encounter: Her latest victim, Joe, an unsavory local, inadvertently leads her to a much larger, more disturbing network. This murder sets off a chain of events, drawing the attention of Detective Timmons, who suspects Clare.
Unveiling a Dark Conspiracy: As Clare investigates, she unearths a pervasive sex trafficking operation in her seemingly quiet town. This ring is protected by corrupt officials, including Detective Timmons, and facilitated by unexpected betrayals, like that of Clare's frenemy, Amity.
Internal Conflict and External Threats: While pursuing the perpetrators, Clare is increasingly plagued by guilt, personified by the apparition of "Mailman Bob," a man whose death she witnessed. This internal struggle adds a layer of psychological complexity to her violent actions.
A Violent Climax: The film culminates in a dramatic confrontation where Clare, faced with Amity's betrayal, substitutes a prop knife for a real one during a college play, setting the stage for a bloody resolution.
Plot Summary: Unholy Alliance and a Killer's Quest
Mysterious Voices and Violent Acts: Clare Bleecker, a young Catholic woman, is tormented by internal voices that compel her to murder individuals she deems "ill-intended." She believes these actions are guided by God.
Accidental Discovery of a Conspiracy: After killing a man named Joe, Clare inadvertently stumbles upon a deeper criminal underworld. This leads her to investigate a string of missing teenage girls in her small town.
Unmasking the Perpetrators: Her investigation reveals a horrifying sex trafficking ring, orchestrated by Joe's identical twin, Randall, and protected by corrupt figures, including Detective Timmons. Shockingly, the ring is aided by someone close to Clare.
Psychological Torment: Throughout her violent quest, Clare is haunted by the ghost of Mailman Bob, a past victim, who serves as a manifestation of her conscience and growing guilt.
Confrontation and Betrayal: The narrative builds to a climax where Clare confronts those involved in the trafficking ring, leading to a violent resolution during a school play.
Director's Vision: Austere Visuals and Moral Ambiguity
Stylized Cinematography: Mitzi Peirone employs a distinctive visual style, characterized by austere visuals, sharp use of the middle of the frame, and a deliberate use of color, particularly red, to convey Clare's violent impulses.
Blending Genres: Peirone attempts to fuse elements of horror, mystery, and psychological thriller, creating a unique, albeit sometimes tonally messy, genre mix.
Exploring Duality: The director aims to explore the duality within Clare – the innocent Catholic schoolgirl versus the calculating assassin – and the blurred lines between good and evil, vigilante justice, and mental instability.
Character-Driven Narrative: Peirone focuses on Clare's complex character, highlighting her internal struggles and motivations, and providing a nuanced portrayal of a seemingly anti-heroic figure.
Ambiguous Morality: The film invites viewers to question the ethics of Clare's actions, leaving room for interpretation regarding her perceived divine mission and the righteousness of her violence.
Themes: Faith, Feminism, and the Corrupt Underbelly
Divine Vengeance vs. Mental Instability: A central theme is the ambiguity of Clare's motivations. Is she truly an instrument of God, or is her violent behavior a manifestation of a severe mental health condition?
Feminist Horror and Rape-Revenge: The film draws on tropes from the rape-revenge genre, presenting Clare as a fierce protector of women against male predators and societal indifference to the plight of young women.
Corruption and Injustice: "Saint Clare" exposes the dark underbelly of a seemingly peaceful small town, where corruption and criminal activities, specifically sex trafficking, are rampant and protected by those in power.
Loss and Redemption: The narrative touches upon universal themes of loss, especially concerning Clare's tragic past, and the possibility of a twisted form of redemption through her violent acts.
Moral Ambiguity: The film consistently challenges the audience to grapple with uncomfortable moral questions, presenting a protagonist who commits heinous acts yet can be seen as a force for good.
Key Success Factors: Performance, Style, and Intrigue
Bella Thorne's Performance: Bella Thorne's portrayal of Clare is consistently highlighted as a strong asset, bringing nuance and intensity to the character's complex duality.
Visual Aesthetics: Mitzi Peirone's strong visual eye, with a focus on austere cinematography and effective use of color, creates a visually engaging and distinctive experience.
Intriguing Premise: The initial concept of a divinely guided, sociopathic Catholic schoolgirl who assassinates "ill-intended" people is inherently captivating.
Genre Blending: The film's attempt to mix horror, mystery, and psychological thriller elements, while sometimes uneven, contributes to its unique appeal.
Supporting Cast Performances: The contributions of actors like Frank Whaley as Mailman Bob and Rebecca De Mornay as Gigi are noted for enhancing the character dynamics and emotional depth.
Awards & Nominations: A Festival Buzz
"Saint Clare" has seen some early recognition on the film festival circuit, particularly for its director and for being an official selection at various events.
Taormina Film Fest (2024): The film had its world premiere at this prestigious Italian festival.
London FrightFest (2024): Screened at this well-known horror film festival, suggesting its genre appeal.
Oldenburg Festival (2024): Included in the competition lineup, indicating critical attention.
No Major Industry Awards Yet: As of July 2025, the film has not yet received major industry awards (e.g., Golden Globes, Oscars), but its festival appearances suggest it's on the radar for independent cinema.
Summary: "Saint Clare" has been a fixture on the film festival circuit, premiering at Taormina and being selected for others like FrightFest and Oldenburg, building anticipation for its unique blend of psychological thriller and religious themes.
Critics' Reception: A Stylistic Struggle
Critical reception for "Saint Clare" has been largely mixed, with reviewers often divided on its ambitious stylistic choices and narrative coherence.
Visually Ambitious but Overwrought: Many critics acknowledge director Mitzi Peirone's "striking visual language" and "bold aesthetic" (MovieWeb, Screen Rant). The film utilizes "claustrophobic cinematography," "dizzying editing," and "dynamic lighting shifts" to immerse the audience in Clare's disoriented mind (Next Best Picture). However, this style is often criticized as being "excessively stylish to the point it's distracting" (Screen Rant) and "over-the-top" (MovieWeb), sometimes feeling "mentally exhausted" to viewers.
Tonal Inconsistency: A significant point of contention is the film's "inconsistent tone," which awkwardly oscillates between serious psychological thriller, "darkly comic sequences," and even "campy teen film" elements (Roger Ebert, Screen Rant). This "tonal mishmash" (Fortress of Solitude) often leads to a jarring viewing experience, making it difficult for critics to determine the film's intended mood or message.
Strong Premise, Flawed Execution: The concept of a vigilante serial killer guided by divine voices, inspired by Joan of Arc and compared to characters like Dexter or Patrick Bateman, is seen as intriguing. However, critics often state that the execution "struggles to find its footing" (Surgeons of Horror), with the plot becoming "aimless and predictable" (Screen Rant) or "unfulfilling" in its final act (Next Best Picture).
Bella Thorne's Performance: Bella Thorne's portrayal of Clare is a point of debate. Some critics found her "fantastic," delivering a "compelling, varied performance" that showcases Clare's cold, calculating nature (Next Best Picture, Screen Rant). Others, however, felt her performance was "sufficient though unexciting" (Roger Ebert), and that the character felt "distant and underdeveloped" at times (Surgeons of Horror).
Underutilized Supporting Cast: Despite featuring seasoned actors like Ryan Phillippe and Rebecca De Mornay, critics lament that their talents are "underutilized," with their characters often "one-note" or serving more as "nostalgic nod[s] than an essential component of the story" (Surgeror of Horror, Next Best Picture). Frank Whaley as Mailman Bob, Clare's personified conscience, is highlighted as a standout but also contributes to the tonal confusion.
Summary: Critics of "Saint Clare" are largely divided. While acknowledging Mitzi Peirone's ambitious visual style and the film's intriguing premise, many found the execution to be inconsistent, suffering from an over-the-top aesthetic, jarring tonal shifts, and a narrative that ultimately fails to fully deliver on its potential. Bella Thorne's lead performance received varied opinions, and the supporting cast was often seen as underutilized.
Reviews: A Controversial Vision of Justice
Reviews delve into the film's narrative themes and the audience's engagement with its unique protagonist.
Vigilante Justice with a Religious Twist: At its core, "Saint Clare" is a story about a young woman who believes she is divinely guided to kill "ill-intended people," primarily sexual predators and traffickers. This "righteous anger" (Next Best Picture) and "vigilante vengeance" are central to the plot.
Joan of Arc Comparison: The film explicitly draws parallels between Clare and Joan of Arc, with Clare even repeating Joan's mantra: "Everything I have said and done has been in the hands of God." Reviewers note that Clare sees her mission as "something that has to be done for the greater good" (Eye For Film), framing her as a modern, if morally ambiguous, saint.
Psychological Exploration: The film attempts to explore Clare's "fractured psyche" and "dissociative episodes" (Surgeons of Horror, Eye For Film), with the character of Mailman Bob serving as a manifestation of her conscience. This aspect aims to delve into her internal conflict and the mental toll of her actions.
Critique of Societal Inaction: Underlying the personal vendetta is a social commentary on how "women go missing or experience violence, but the male members of society fail to act" (Fortress of Solitude). The film touches on "a societal pandemic" of abuse enabled by "silence or inaction," which some reviewers wished had been explored more deeply.
Identity Crisis: A frequent observation is the film's "identity crisis" (MovieWeb). It struggles to decide whether it wants to be a serious psychological horror, a "campy teen film," or a "stylish whodunit laced with religious allegories," leading to a "sinful in its uncertainty" experience.
Potential for Cult Classic Status: Despite its flaws, some reviews hint at the film's potential for a cult following due to its unique premise and bold stylistic choices, even if it doesn't quite achieve its aims (Roger Ebert, NERDGEIST).
Summary: "Saint Clare" is reviewed as a complex and often polarizing film that presents a unique take on vigilante justice, informed by religious conviction and psychological turmoil. While some viewers appreciated its daring concept and the exploration of societal failures, many found its execution uneven, leading to a confusing blend of genres and a narrative that doesn't fully cohere.
Why to Watch This Movie: A Dark and Distinctive Vision
Intriguing Premise: If you're drawn to dark, character-driven thrillers with a unique twist, the concept of a Catholic schoolgirl vigilante haunted by voices is undeniably compelling.
Bella Thorne's Performance: Bella Thorne delivers a strong performance as Clare, effectively portraying the character's complex and often unsettling duality.
Mitzi Peirone's Visual Style: The film boasts a distinctive visual aesthetic with austere cinematography and a bold use of color, making it visually engaging despite narrative shortcomings.
Genre-Bending Elements: "Saint Clare" attempts to blend horror, mystery, and psychological thriller, offering something different from conventional genre films.
Thought-Provoking Themes: The movie explores themes of faith, justice, corruption, and the blurred lines of morality, inviting viewers to ponder complex questions.
Movie Trend: The Rise of "Girlboss" Horror and Neo-Noir Thrillers
"Saint Clare" aligns with the emerging trend of "girlboss" horror and neo-noir thrillers, particularly those with a feminist slant. These films often feature female protagonists taking justice into their own hands, frequently in violent and morally ambiguous ways, in response to societal injustices or male-perpetrated crimes. This trend infuses traditional horror and thriller elements with identity-driven sensibilities, appealing to a contemporary audience interested in tales of female empowerment and dark revenge.
Social Trend: Vigilante Justice and True Crime Obsession
The film taps into the broader social trend of public fascination with vigilante justice and the true crime phenomenon. In an era where trust in traditional institutions may be eroding, narratives of individuals taking matters into their own hands to right wrongs resonate with audiences. Coupled with the pervasive interest in true crime stories, "Saint Clare" offers a fictionalized exploration of individuals who step outside the law to address perceived evils, particularly those related to hidden social ills like trafficking and corruption.
Final Verdict: A Visually Striking but Imperfect Journey
"Saint Clare (2024)" is a film with undeniable stylistic flair and an intriguing premise, largely buoyed by Bella Thorne's compelling performance. Mitzi Peirone's directorial vision shines through in its austere visuals and unsettling atmosphere. However, the film struggles with narrative cohesion, often feeling tonally inconsistent and overstuffed with themes. While it offers a unique take on vigilante justice and feminist horror, its execution can be uneven, leaving some critical of its convoluted plot. Despite its flaws, "Saint Clare" offers a distinctive viewing experience for those drawn to dark, character-driven thrillers that challenge moral boundaries, making it a film worth watching for its artistic ambition and lead performance, even if it doesn't fully achieve its potential.
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