Sundance: Sony Pictures Classics Nabs Religious Drama Novitiate
Brent Lang
JANUARY 22, 2017 | 12:07PM PT
Sony Pictures Classics has nabbed worldwide rights to Novitiate, a religious drama that is set against the backdrop of Vatican II. The pact is in the mid-seven figure range.
For readers who didnt grow up taking communion, Vatican II was a council that introduced a series of reforms meant to modernize the Catholic Church. It remains controversial.
Novitiate marks the narrative feature directorial debut of Maggie Betts. Melissa Leo stars as a mother superior with Margaret Qualley as a young woman who is called to a life in the seminary. Reviews for the film have been strong. Variety critic Guy Lodge praised Novitiate as an
intelligent, ambiguous nunnery drama. Leos performance has been singled out for particular praise.
http://variety.com/2017/film/markets-festivals/sundance-sony-pictures-classics-nabs-religious-drama-novitiate-1201966520/