Agnes of God

Director: Norman Jewison
Cast: Jane Fonda, Anne Bancroft, Meg Tilly
Genre: Drama 1985
Running time: 98 mins.
Rating:★★★★

When the infant of a young nun, Agnes (Meg Tilly), is found strangled, court appointed psychiatrist, Martha Livingston (Jane Fonda), must decide if the devout but troubled girl is fit to stand trial. In her quest for truth, Martha goes head to head with the intractable Mother Superior (Anne Bancroft), who assures her that Agnes has no memory of the pregnancy. But the probe uncovers mysterious aspects of Agnes' personality, which leads to a shattering climax. Is Agnes of God a hysterical young woman or is her ordeal divinely inspired?

How much does psychiatry or science really go together with religion? Though some argue that they don't, one has to remember that Galileo was both a very religious man, as well as a mathematician and scientist. Nevertheless, the film begins with a serene reflection on the convent, almost as if it were a painting, then delves into the nuns daily routines. The music score that follows the opening scene, is very haunting, as if to prepare the audience for the horror that lies ahead. The nuns silently circling a large cross in the courtyard doesn't help the eerie feeling lessen. Yet, it seem that it is always the one, who's had personal traumatizing events in their past relating to particular issue, are chosen to take on the issue head on, though seemingly unrelated. Jane Fonda's character is one of those, who is very hesitant on being assigned to evaluate this young nun. She portrays these emotions beautiful, as well as a desire to help uncover the mystery of Sister Agnes' (Meg Tilly) pregnancy and crime of manslaughter. In this journey, she is able to find some peace with her burden. Tilly embodies the sheltered and eternal child that is Sister Agnes.

Its weird, but amazing to see Anne Bancroft go from the seductress in The Graduate to the Mother Superior in this film. Really illustrates the range she had as an actress! Nevertheless, you are able to follow the personal struggle and desire to debunk the undebunkable with the three main characters. You start to question your own beliefs, whether you're religious or not. Its simply amazing and somewhat saddening!