Dutch filmmaker Paul Verhoeven (Total Recall, Basic Instinct) reassembles some of the cast and crew of his 2016 film Elle for what can only be described as the most sacrilegious premiere of 2021.

Based on the 1986 non-fiction book Immodest Acts: The Life of a Lesbian Nun in Renaissance Italy, Benedetta is a film about a 17th-century nun in Italy who suffers from disturbing religious and erotic visions. The nun, played by Belgian actor Virginie Efira, is assisted by a companion (Daphné Patakia) and the relationship between the two women develops into a romantic love affair.

Oscar-nominated actor Charlotte Rampling (Broadchurch, 45 Years) also stars alongside the main cast as the Abbess.

Benedetta is part of the official selection at this year’s Cannes Film Festival and will screen in competition during the event, which is scheduled to run from July 6-17.