Poland, 1945: a community of Benedictine nuns is the target for systematic abuse at the hands of the occupying Russian forces in this assured period piece by Anne Fontaine (Coco Before Chanel). French Red Cross worker and former resistance fighter Mathilde Beaulieu (Lou de Laâge) becomes embroiled in a tragedy when she uncovers a group of nuns in an advanced state of pregnancy; compelled to action, she must contend with the hierarchies of power within the convent, who will stop at nothing to avoid the shame such a scandal could bring. (Notes by David O’ Mahony)

Director’s note: Faith and friendship amongst women drives this sensitive and deeply moving historical drama.

Screening as part of the IFI French Film Festival 2016.