Sister Hell

Directed by Fredrik S. Hana and released in 2015, Sister Hell plays out like a marriage of dark comedy and horror, one that strays far from conventional norms. Sister Hell, originally titled Soster Hel, is a Norwegian film, and it showcases the talents of Thomas Aske Berg, Espen Hana, and Oliver Hohlbrugger.

One of the film's protagonists, Sister Hell, played by Linn Søndergaard, is a fiercely religious nun who has locked herself away from society in an attempt to protect her faith from the world's impurities. She takes to heart the Bible's prophecies of the coming Apocalypse and desires to do everything within her power to prepare for the end times.

The film introduces the audience to the small, restricting confinements of the isolated convent where Sister Hell lives. She shares this small space with the Mother Superior, a character brought to life by Thomas Aske Berg. Mother Superior, although more restrained in her beliefs, is a figure of stern, uncompromising authority within the convent.

Sister Hell's grand visions of martyrdom and her burning desire to be a part of the heavenly forces during the last judgment clash with the nunnery's laid-back attitude. The tension between these two dominant personalities works as the fuel driving the narrative forward in the initial stages.

Espen Hana's performance as Father Ezekiel, a bizarre and eccentric priest, adds another layer of complexity to the plot. Meanwhile, Kikki, depicted by Oliver Hohlbrugger, is the only other inhabitant of the convent and an embodiment of naivety and innocence caught amidst the strong-willed players of the drama.

The movie takes an interesting turn when a change in circumstances compels the pious sister to navigate the sordid and grimy parts of the city. It leaves Sister Hell questioning her beliefs, and hence the film plunges into the murky waters of madness and supernatural suspense.

Director Fredrik S. Hana brilliantly takes the audience along Sister Hell's bizarre and at times, harrowing journey. His depiction of the contrast in settings - the stark, humble convent, and the grimy cityscape - gives the movie an undercurrent of unpleasantness mixed with unexpected humor.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the film is the cinematography and the visual elements. Sister Hell's world is presented in striking visuals, as her reality blends with her delusions, creating an eerie atmosphere. The surrealism intensifies as the differences between reality and the nun's psychosis blurs, making it a psychological thriller/horror story that stands out in its genre.

Without giving too much away, Sister Hell is a thrilling ride, a fascinating blend of dark humor, horror, and elements of the supernatural. The film is a riveting exploration of faith, extremism, and delusion, combined with a dash of the grotesque.

The performances by the main actors form the movie's core strength. Thomas Aske Berg is compelling as Mother Superior, and Linn Søndergaard as Sister Hell excels in her portrayal of a woman caught between her radical faith and the repugnant realities. Espen Hana's portrayal of Father Ezekiel adds an eccentric twist to the story, and Oliver Hohlbrugger as Kikki provides an interesting foil to the intense characters.

Sister Hell is an impeccably directed movie, with each scene and story element contributing to the whole psychological fabric of the film. Its unconventional mix of comedy and horror gives it a unique flavor that stands out in the genre. It offers viewers an exciting, if not a bit unsettling, cinematic experience that will stick with them long after the end credits roll.

While not recommended for the faint-hearted, Sister Hell is a must-watch for those who crave psychological thrillers with unexpected twists, leaning towards the macabre. It is a mixture of madness, devotion, monstrosity, and survival that will keep the audience on edge until the very end.

In conclusion, Sister Hell is definitely a distinct film that paints a tale of faith, fanaticism and horror, that's larger than life.