Genre: Historical Drama | Biopic | Faith-Based
Directed by: Greta Gerwig
Starring: Florence Pugh, Ralph Fiennes, Golshifteh Farahani, Richard Madden
Runtime: 2h 11min | Studio: Focus Features
Release Date: March 29, 2024
In Saint Catherine, director Greta Gerwig steps away from her usual modern, female-driven narratives to deliver a visually rich, emotionally stirring biographical drama about one of Christianity’s most iconic female saints: Catherine of Alexandria. With a powerful central performance by Florence Pugh, the film strikes a careful balance between spiritual reverence and human vulnerability, resulting in one of the year's most compelling historical dramas.
Set in the early 4th century during the reign of Roman Emperor Maxentius, Saint Catherine follows the life of Catherine of Alexandria, a young noblewoman known for her intellect, beauty, and defiant Christian faith. When she openly challenges the Roman Empire’s persecution of Christians, she becomes the target of brutal interrogation, psychological manipulation, and theological debate.
Despite threats and temptation, Catherine refuses to renounce her beliefs, eventually facing martyrdom. Along the way, she confronts power, questions her calling, and leaves behind a legacy that would inspire millions for centuries.
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Florence Pugh commands the screen as Catherine, portraying her not only as a saintly figure but as a young woman filled with passion, intelligence, doubt, and conviction. Her performance is layered, giving voice to both faith and fear.
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Ralph Fiennes plays Emperor Maxentius with icy calm and philosophical menace, elevating him beyond a cartoonish villain.
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Golshifteh Farahani is quietly powerful as Theonilla, a secret Christian in the Roman court.
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Richard Madden appears as a Roman general torn between duty and admiration for Catherine, providing a morally complex subplot that never overshadows the central narrative.
Gerwig’s direction is elegant and restrained, relying on poetic pacing, close emotional framing, and symbolic imagery. The cinematography by Rodrigo Prieto (Silence, Brokeback Mountain) captures the grandeur of the Roman Empire alongside the intimacy of Catherine’s spiritual journey. Scenes set in sunlit libraries, cold dungeons, and fiery arenas are visually stunning and rich with emotional tension.
The film’s score by Hildur Guðnadóttir complements the drama with haunting strings and soft choral elements that elevate its spiritual undertones.
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Faith vs. power
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Female resistance in patriarchal systems
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Sacrifice and legacy
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The cost of truth in the face of tyranny
Though rooted in Christian history, Saint Catherine resonates far beyond religious circles. It’s a story of courageous defiance, intellectual conviction, and spiritual clarity, told with modern sensibility and relevance.
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Outstanding performance by Florence Pugh
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Rich historical production design and costume work
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Intelligent script that balances theology and emotion
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A nuanced portrayal of martyrdom without glorification
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Sensitive yet bold direction by Greta Gerwig
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The film’s slow-burn pacing may not appeal to all viewers
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Heavy dialogue scenes on theology may challenge casual audiences
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Supporting characters could benefit from deeper backstories
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Limited action for those expecting a traditional historical epic
Saint Catherine is a beautifully acted and deeply moving film that celebrates the strength of conviction in the face of oppressive power. It avoids melodrama and instead opts for quiet dignity and inner fire, anchored by one of Florence Pugh’s most compelling performances to date.
Though it may not be a blockbuster, it’s a masterclass in historical storytelling—one that will likely earn attention come awards season.
