Agnes of God

The events unfold in a contemporary mid-1980s era, a time when psychiatric methods and legal proceedings intersect with traditional religious authority. The courtroom procedures and the use of hypnosis reflect the period's attitudes toward mental health and evidence. Social norms around gender, sexuality, and institutional power shape how the characters respond to Agnes's claims.

A Roman Catholic convent sits in Montreal, providing a cloistered world where daily rituals govern life. The setting emphasizes the isolation of the nuns from the outside world while remaining tied to the urban surroundings. The grounds include a bell tower and a barn with hidden passages, underscoring secrecy and discipline.

⛪️ Faith

Faith vs. evidence sits at the core of Agnes of God. The convent's rigid beliefs collide with the psychiatrist's scientific approach as they seek the truth about Agnes's pregnancy and possible assault. Hypnosis and confessions challenge what is considered sacred certainty, raising questions about belief, innocence, and accountability.

💔 Guilt

Guilt haunts multiple characters: Agnes's sense of being a 'mistake,' Mother Miriam's complicity, and the institution's burden of protecting or blaming the vulnerable. The narrative examines how memory, abuse, and institutional power shape feelings of responsibility and blame. Resolution hinges on uncovering buried guilt rather than denying it.

🍼 Motherhood

Motherhood is presented as both sacred duty and traumatic burden. The baby’s birth and death become a focal point for discussing control, sexuality, and the limits women face within the convent. The film questions whether motherhood is a voluntary choice or an imposed role under authority.