Saint Maud (Rose Glass, 2019): UK

A film review by Alejandra Melchor. Viewed at the AFI Fest 2019.

Director and writer Rose Glass, who has directed and written six other shorts, brings her first film to the big screen. Saint Maud. Along with Morfydd Clark and Jennifer Ehle a horror thriller film was masterfully executed.

Morfydd Clark, who has recently worked on the TV series His Dark Materials, (2019) and the film Crawl (2019) portrays Maud. A devoted religious nurse who becomes convinced she must save her patients soul. Award winning Jennifer Ehle, who may be remembered for her role in the 1995 TV series of Pride and Prejudice, plays Amanda. Amanda who was ounce a well known dancer and is now terminally ill. A woman who can be said to be living in the past and trying to keep death at bay. 

It’s clear by their performances that  these two experienced actresses were really able to get into the mindset of their characters. Morfydd does an amazing job in bringing us into Maud world.  Through the close up shots we are able to see that there is an internal dialogue going on. We can see that Maud is grappling with her place in life, her relationship with God, and her relationship with Amanda. Through low angle shots one is able to decipher that Maud sees herself as always being in the right, Through close ups we also see Amanda’s internal struggle. She is trying to live her life to the fullest. As well as trying to keep death at bay by not “giving in” to her illness. Through wide shots we see her living her life style and it is notable to say it is quite the opposite of Maud’s. 

The film portrays a psychological aspect to religious devotion. However, while it is never definitely cleared if Maud is possessed, schizophrenic, a narcissist, or a righteously devoted follower, not having these answers gives us room to draw our own conclusions. It gives the audience the ability to decide for oneself what type of person Maud is. This is different to most thriller horror films as normally a clear line is drawn between good and evil. Hero or villain. In Maud’s mind she is a hero. And in a way even Amanda sees her as her savior. 

Editor Mark Towns and cinematographer Ben Fordesman did a wonderful job helping the viewers dive into the story.  Giving the film the right type of atmosphere it needed. Maud is surrounded by darkness and staring at a dead body in the opening scene. And it is clear she has been traumatized. Questions such as, “ What did she do?” and “whats her head space like,”  immediately pop into one’s mind. Lighting choices played a significant role in giving the setting a bleak hopelessness feel. The views are directed into at first seeing Maud as “the light in the darkness.” 

Saint Maud takes on the way we see religious horror films.  Just like The Exorcism of Emily Rose directed by Scott Derrickson. It should be watched by all who are horror and thriller enthusiasts.