"Saint Maud": Movie Review
Written By Alex Greenbaum
Between the massive delays and lack of intriguing marketing, "Saint Maud" was left to die in 2021. Relying on its poor trailers to attract the most dedicated A24 fans has seemed to have left a poor impression with many. However, without much expectation, "Saint Maud" took me for a ride. Through its thoughtful philosophies on religion and mental illness, I would not categorize Rose Glass's first feature as horror; rather a brilliantly thrilling narrative that weaves through its dramatic twists and turns, sprinkled with some horrific sequences.
A mysterious nurse with a hidden past is assigned to taking care of a patient who has a terminal illness.
The photography by Ben Fordesman captures the waft of dread. An illuminated boardwalk remains the most striking of images but each set is filled with overwhelming detail. Between its rich sound design and fabulous camera work, "Saint Maud" delivers on all technical fronts.
But when the quieter moments hit, you can't help to be intrigued by the dialogue. The relationship that blossoms between Maud and her patient leads to some thought provoking concepts. There's a spark between both characters along with a prevailing uneasiness while gradually making its message known. The harshness of its perspective on religion might be one sided, yet I couldn't help but be mesmerized by its ambitious undertones. Rarely does a film take me by surprise, but there wasn't a moment when I did not feel captivated by the narrative.
To say I enjoyed "Saint Maud" is an understatement. It's disheartening to know that more people won't be able to experience the film in theaters or at all. The pandemic ravaged its chances of being more widely recognized by critics and audiences alike. My advice, turn down the lights and start streaming it on Hulu as soon as you can, it's worth it.
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