The Nun (La religieuse) (La Religieuse)

THE NUN

The Chateau of Baron de Lasson

- Hello, Marquis, how was your trip? —- Fine, thanks.

Well, Marquis, how was Tuscany?

Exhausting.

I'm very fond of that country.

So am I, it's admirable and full of treasures.

— Did you visit Arezzo? — Of course.

I left as soon as I heard, Father.

And your health?

As you can hear, too noisy.

But I'm holding up.

And the women?

To die for.

— Exquisite blonds. — And the brunettes!

— Perhaps you're hungry? — Not right now.

Then I'll go to bed.

Ask Célestin to fix you something.

We'll speak tomorrow.

Does M. Marquis desire a slice of plum pie?

No, Célestin. Go to bed. Good night.

Good night, sir.

The Memoirs of Suzanne Simonin

My father was an accountant.

He married my mother at an advanced age.

He had 3 daughters.

Armelle was 19, Lucie, 18, and I was 16.

2 years earlier The Simonin Family Residence

Suzanne?

I feel like that wrong note sealed my fate.

That everything stemmed from it.

Your sister has been locked in her room since yesterday.

Is it my fault he took a liking to me?

And you?

Me?

I feel no attraction to him, or to anyone else in fact.

I love Christ, and him alone.

Truly?

Yes, he is my lover.

Did you tell Father Castellat?

He says I'm too young to understand love.

That I must grow up and pray.

Monastic life, though austere, suited me well.

The sisters were kind to me,

but I only had myself to blame for telling my mother I loved God.

I prayed less fervently.

With my sisters Armelle and Lucie married off,

I thought they'd soon come for me.

Nevertheless the days were long.

Suzanne!

You have a visitor.

Fear not, your family is well.

You had me frightened!

It is they who sent me with a mission.

They want you to take the veil.

The veil?

The mother superior speaks most highly of you.

That's kind of her.

You'll stay another year.

— I was to leave in April. — I know.

— Let me explain. — No explanation will change my mind.

I have no fondness for religious life.

Look...

Your parents ruined themselves for your sisters.

They can do nothing for you in their difficult situation.

I ask for nothing.

It is they who are asking.

Their minds are made up.

Stay here or we'll find you another convent.

Come, Suzanne, you're a big girl. Your parents aren't dead.

What's this all about?

Didn't Father Castellat tell you?

He said your parents feel you should complete your novitiate.

They want to bury me here!

Bury you?

No girl has ever become a nun against her will.

What is asked of you? That you wear the veil.

Well, why don't you?

What does that commit you to? Nothing.

To remain here a year.

It'll soon be over.

So many things can happen in a year.

"To the crowd,

"Jesus spoke in parables.

"Without parables he spoke not,

"so the prophet's words might be fulfilled."

Take care not to catch a cold.

Your voice is a precious instrument that requires care.

My voice isn't precious.

The mother superior Is a very indulgent nun.

Her art is hiding all the thorns of religious life.

It is a subtle course of seduction. One is cradled,

fascinated, lulled to sleep.

Well, child,

what shall our answer be?

I don't want to.

Think about it, child.

Times are hard.

Your family has suffered losses.

Your sisters' affairs are in disarray.

Marrying them was costly, supporting them ruinous.

Word of your new vocation has spread in the world.

For the rest, as I said, you can count on me.

I have never lured anyone into religion.

It is a life God calls us to.

And it is very dangerous to mingle our voice with his.

I don't want to.

You would disobey your mother?

No, madam.

All manner of visitors were sent to me.

The doctor who lectured me.

The Countess of Pérac, and my sisters, my dear sisters.

Everyone tried to persuade me.

No effort was spared to obtain my consent.

In a situation so abysmal, Judge me as you will, sir,

I gave in.

Come in.

This veil brings out the whiteness of your skin.

Walk.

You don't stand straight enough.

There, that's better.

The bandeau softens your features, and accentuates your cheeks.

Let's hurry, it's already 8 o'clock.

It's lovely.

I belong to him always.

I will work to win him souls until my aying breath.

You have heard our sisters' request.

Are they fit to honor the solemn vows they're about to pronounce?

I give my word.

My children,

this is a formidable oath you wish to take

in the presence of Heaven and Earth.

On Judgment Day, saints, angels,

and Mother Mary herself, will turn against you,

if you've been untrue.

Are you resolved to sacrifice your own will?

And to seek Jesus' love alone?

I hereby resolve to keep in my heart

no other love than that of Jesus Christ,

in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.

Amen.

Lord,

receive your servants who give their earthly lives to you.

Who reject the world to embrace you alone.

Make them worthy of the calling that unites them with you.

That places them in your hands as in their Lord's.

That sacrifices them to you as to their God.

You who lives and rules for ever and ever.

Amen.

Marie Suzanne Simonin,

do you swear to tell the truth?

I swear.

Are you here of your own accord and free will?

Marie Suzanne Simonin,

are you here of your own accord and free will?

Marie Suzanne Simonin,

do you promise God chastity, poverty and obedience?

No, Father.

Do you promise God chastity, poverty and obedience?

I said no.

What's going on?

I don't know.

Collect yourself, my child.

I cannot.

I promised God the truth.

He would never forgive me.

All that for nothing.

Sorry, sir.

We've arrived. Wake up.

Aren't you coming to bed, dear?

No.

We'll discuss this tomorrow.

There's nothing to discuss.

You've given in.

You always give in.

Well, not always.

Stay.

I'm exhausted, Roland.

What about me? Don't you think I'm tired?

— Did you tell my mother? - I had to.

What did she say?

She said you were too old for such things.

It's being back in this house.

I asked you not to tell her.

I didn't. I was just teasing.

Pull your end, I have too much at mine.

Come in.

You're expected in the music room.

Hello, Father.

Hello, Suzanne.

What do you think of this situation?

Which one?

That of a grown child shut in her room.

You know this can't go on.

What do you recommend?

Your mother expects you to be reasonable.

For her, being reasonable

~ means staying locked in my room or a convent.

In these conditions, I'll never meet anyone.

— Did I say something wrong? - No, Suzanne.