Killer Nun

Killernunposter

Killer Nun (Italian: Suor Omicidi) is a 1979 Italian exploitation film directed by Giulio Berruti. It stars Anita Ekberg as Sister Gertrude, a nun working in a hospital who descends into a morass of drug addiction and murderous behavior. The film is a notable example of the "nunsploitation" subgenre, which blends elements of sexploitation with religious settings and characters. Killer Nun has garnered a cult following due to its controversial themes and has been discussed in the context of both horror and exploitation cinema studies.

Plot

The story revolves around Sister Gertrude, who, after undergoing brain surgery for a tumor, becomes addicted to morphine. Her addiction leads to a drastic change in personality, from a caring nurse to a sadistic and sexually depraved killer. As her mental state deteriorates, she begins to believe that she is doing the work of God by punishing the "sinful" patients in her care. The film follows her descent into madness and the violent acts she commits.

Cast

• Anita Ekberg as Sister Gertrude
• Paola Morra as Sister Mathieu
• Alida Valli as The Mother Superior
• Massimo Serato as Dr. Poirret
• Danila Trebbi as Sister Caterina

Themes and Analysis

Killer Nun explores themes of religion, sin, and guilt, juxtaposed with the protagonist's descent into madness. The film critiques the Catholic Church and its institutions, presenting a narrative that challenges the notion of religious figures as paragons of morality. It also delves into the psychological effects of addiction and how it can lead to a complete transformation of one's character and moral compass.

Reception

Upon its release, Killer Nun was met with controversy and was banned in some countries due to its explicit content and blasphemous portrayal of a nun engaging in murder and sexual depravity. Over the years, however, it has been reassessed by critics and audiences alike, who have come to appreciate its place within the exploitation genre and its commentary on religious hypocrisy.

Legacy

The film is considered a cult classic within the nunsploitation subgenre, influencing later films that combine religious themes with horror and exploitation elements. It has been released on DVD and Blu-ray by various cult film distribution companies, allowing it to reach a wider audience and gain appreciation from fans of cult and horror cinema.