Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Novitiate Blu-ray Movie Review

Novitiate is an absorbing drama about a spiritual journey and the blossoming of a young woman. The film is the debut of writer-director Maggie Betts. The film has been executive produced by Jessica Betts. Set against the backdrop of changing times during the 1960's, the story explores the large changes which began to occur to nun culture under the direction of Vatican II.

The story focuses predominately on the young and beautiful Sister Cathleen (Margaret Qualley) as she struggles with questions surrounding her faith and lesbian sexuality while going on a spiritual journey. Growing up in a small town and being raised by her single mother, Cathleen moves through life in a world which is surround in religious culture. She becomes fully absorbed in the Catholic world and starts to go to school to learn to become a nun. As part of a group of young women who are learning the ways of sainthood, she experiences firsthand the trials and tribulations of the changing culture.

Reverend Mother (Melissa Leo) is a strict leader of the school and follows the old-world rules of the foundation with a harsh and downright inhumane fervor. Though at first glance Reverend Mother appears to be a professional in her spiritual dedication, over the course of the story it starts to be apparent that she values the rules of the culture more-so than the values of the people to which she serves.

Though the life of a nun might sound serene from an outsider's perspective, Novitiate explores the way in which nuns used to have to endure strict rules in observing their walk in life. Nuns would observe extended periods of total silence (cripplingly so) and observe their worship through self-inflicted physical harm that is barbaric by today's modern views.

Under direct orders from the Catholic leadership of Vatican II, the film explores a dramatic shift from the more extreme rules which used to be observed to a brand new era of openness for the life of a nun. Novitiate explores changing times for the catholic world and within a house of worship occupied in the 1960s.

A Journey of Faith

Melissa Leo (Frozen River, Treme) delivers a commanding performance which is one of her most absorbing in her career. Delving deep into the psyche of her character, Leo's role is a stunner which elevates the material to even greater heights. Margaret Qualley (The Leftovers) is also tremendously talented and is able to match wits against the commanding performance delivered by Leo. The entire cast of the film brings their A-game and it makes a already fascinating drama even more compelling to watch unfold.

There are many aspects of the film's production which leave a mark on the experience. The subtle and organic feeling cinematography by Kat Westergaard (Days on Fire, Girls Against Boys) is beautifully textured and it helps to paint a landscape of a bygone era with startling authenticity. The film has a superb production design by John Sanders (Candy Jar) which feels authentic to the time-period. In reproducing the look of a nun, costume designer Vanessa Porter (Wanderland). The film editing by Susan E. Morse (Manhattan, Radio Days) feels impeccably constructed.

Maggie Betts has delivered a fantastic debut as a writer-director with Novitiate. This doesn't feel like the effort of someone making their first time feature-film. Instead, Novitiate feels like the work of a fully seasoned professional. As a female writer-director with a clear-cut voice, she helps imbues her intelligence and femininity throughout this compelling work.

The film feels decidedly feminist as it explores women's roles in society and in the roles within the Catholic church. There is no doubt that Novitiate is the type of film which is designed to provoke discussion by moviegoers and on that mark Betts succeeds with her ambitious goals. Novitiate is a surprisingly engaging drama which packs an effective punch.

Novitiate Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Novitiate arrives on Blu-ray from Sony Pictures Classics with an impressive 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition presentation. The film is presented in the original 2.39:1 aspect ratio. This is an excellent presentation which has great clarity and detail. The image looks sharp, clean, and well-rounded with great emphasis on the digital photography. The visuals in this film are certainly impressive and the cinematography by Kat Westergaard stuns. With a somewhat reserved color pallet, the film has a unique visual aesthetic which befits the dramatic storyline well.

Novitiate Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The film is presented with a 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio presentation. This lossless audio sound mix has great clarity and detail. This is an excellent audio presentation with a much more engaging and rewarding surround sound audio design than one would typically expects to find with a drama. Dialogue reproduction is superb throughout and every intricate detail in the sound mix feels as though it is brought to life with excellent fidelity and depth.

Novitiate Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary by writer-director Margaret Betts

Alternate Ending (HD, 3 min. 51 sec.) featuring a significantly different finale than what is presented within the final cut of the film.

In Conversation With the Cast (HD, 25 min. 59 sec.) is a superb sit-down conversation hosted by the National Board of Review. The question and answer session features the film's cast and writer-director Maggie Betts. The roundtable has some significant insights into the film's production and the actresses give some clarity into their approaches to their roles. Melissa Leo gives some especially informative views on her character and the significance of her contributions. This is an excellent supplemental feature which should be considered a must-see by those who appreciate the film.

Extended and Deleted Scenes (HD, 24 min. 12 sec.) are presented. These removed or re-edited sequences include the following scenes: Nora & Netty (HD, 2 min. 15 sec.), Cathleen In the Chapel (Extended) (2 min. 5 sec.), Mary Grace In The Graveyard (2 min. 18 sec.), Saint Cards (.20 sec.), Nora & Cathleen First Visit (Extended Version) (4 min. 53 sec.), Sissy's Rosary (1 min. 2 sec.), and Chapter of Faults (Extended Version) (11 min. 55 sec.)

While the deleted scenes feel appropriately removed from the final product, several of these scenes contain new insights into the characters and their development. These are interesting scenes which should help further enlighten viewers to the filmmaker's vision and are well worth one's time.

Theatrical Trailer (HD, 1 min. 54 sec.)

Lastly, the release includes trailers promoting other Sony Pictures Classics releases.

Novitiate Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Novitiate is a surprisingly effective exploration of the lives of nuns during a turbulent period of change within Catholic culture. The filmmakers delve into the story with clear-cut precision and dedication. Featuring a first-rate performance by Melissa Leo, Novitiate excels as a thoughtful character-study which rewards viewers with its introspection. Featuring an impressive presentation as well as a selection of engaging supplements, the release is well worth consideration.