Italian
Exploring the depths of “Saint Clare”: A modern Joan of Arc tale
The Taormina Film Festival recently witnessed the grand opening of Mitzi Peirone’s horror-thriller “Saint Clare,” featuring the dynamic duo of Bella Thorne and Rebecca De Mornay. This film, inspired by the legendary Joan of Arc, delves into the life of Clare Bleeker, a Catholic college student with a dark yet righteous mission.
A modern-day Joan of Arc
“Saint Clare” is not just another horror-thriller; it’s a narrative that intertwines historical inspiration with contemporary issues. Clare Bleeker, portrayed by Bella Thorne, is a character who channels the spirit of Joan of Arc, the peasant girl who led the French army against English invaders and was ultimately martyred. Peirone’s vision for Clare is clear: “Clare’s role model is Joan of Arc because she literally gave everything, herself included, to her mission. She says: The fire that burns inside of me is stronger than the fire around me, which is a great message. I think that having moral integrity is something that isn’t… I don’t know if it’s valued anymore in our society.”
For those intrigued by this modern retelling, you can watch the trailer and get more information about “Saint Clare” here.
Visual inspiration from the Renaissance
Peirone’s creative process didn’t stop at historical figures. She drew visual inspiration from Artemisia Gentileschi, the Renaissance painter often referred to as the female Caravaggio. This choice adds a layer of artistic depth to the film, making it not just a horror-thriller but a visual masterpiece.
Rebecca De Mornay’s empowering message
Rebecca De Mornay, known for her roles in “Risky Business” and “The Hand That Rocks the Cradle,” brings her seasoned experience to “Saint Clare.” De Mornay’s involvement in the project is deeply personal. “I have two daughters, who are 23 and 26, and I really enjoyed being part of a film giving the females in the audience, young girls particularly, the message that you don’t have to fucking take it. You are strong enough to fight back at these guys. If an 18-year-old girl can lead an army, you can fucking fight off an aggressor. You can win as a woman against the patriarchy.”
Bella Thorne’s creative journey
Bella Thorne, who has previously starred in ”Shake It Up” and “Amityville Horror,” shared her journey with “Saint Clare.” The film is based on Don Roff’s novel “Clare at Six,” and Thorne was instrumental in shaping the script. “I really dug the book, and I thought that there were a lot of interesting elements to the script,” she said. “But it wasn’t quite what I wanted and so I spoke to Mitzi about coming on board and taking a stab at the script, which she did and brought a completely new life to the entire movie.”
Thorne’s directorial debut
In addition to her role in “Saint Clare,” Thorne premiered a short film she directed, ”Unsettled,” at the festival. This film tells a true story about a gay man’s abduction from a nightclub. Thorne is planning to expand this narrative into a feature-length film titled “Color Your Hurt,” set to begin filming in early 2025. For more on “Unsettled,” check out the trailer here.
Future aspirations
As an actor, Thorne has expressed a desire to collaborate with renowned writers and directors. She mentioned her admiration for “The White Lotus” creator Mike White, and directors such as Greta Gerwig and Guillermo del Toro. “He’s definitely my favorite filmmaker of all time. His work has inspired all of my work. It’s in everything I do,” she said.
Reflecting on the impact
“Saint Clare” is more than just a film; it’s a reflection on moral integrity, strength, and the power of women. It challenges societal norms and inspires viewers to stand up against injustice. As we look forward to more projects from Thorne and Peirone, one can’t help but wonder how these narratives will continue to shape our understanding of heroism and resilience in the modern world.
