Beyond the Hills

Voichița and Alina, two young women from Romania, arrive at a secluded convent during the Lenten season. This setting becomes the backdrop for their complicated relationship and spiritual journey.

While reminiscing, Voichița shares with Alina that a sacred icon in the convent's altar is believed to grant wishes. This revelation sparks a mix of hope and tension between the two women, forcing them to confront their past.

The 30-year-old Priest expresses his harsh views on the diminishing faith in Western Europe. He emphasizes the church's stance on same-sex marriage and warns against the influence of non-believers in the monastery.

The Priest questions Voichița about Alina's church attendance, urging Alina to seek confession. His intervention highlights his growing concern over Alina's faith and the implications of their relationship during Lent.

Alina's plans to deepen their intimate connection are met with Voichița's declaration that she has taken vows to become a nun. This shift in Voichița's commitment brings emotional turmoil for Alina, who feels abandoned.

In a moment of despair over Voichița's decision, Alina attempts to jump down a well. Her drastic action leads to her being restrained by the nuns, showcasing her emotional instability and desperation for freedom.

After being restrained, Alina is taken to the hospital for her injuries. There, the nuns read her passages about sin as part of her recovery process, a method that illustrates their belief in spiritual healing over medical treatment.

Alina decides to undergo a strict Black Fast, hoping to find solace and clarity. However, when she approaches the altar to make a wish to the sacred icon, the Priest intervenes and warns her of the grave sin involved.

As Alina's physical and mental health declines, the nuns decide to take her back to the hospital. Her condition raises alarms about the treatment she received at the convent.

Upon arrival at the hospital, Alina is pronounced dead. Medical staff notice the marks from the restraints, prompting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.

Law enforcement begins to investigate the convent following Alina's death. The officer examining the scene draws parallels between the restraint board and a cross, suggesting that it may constitute homicide.

The Priest claims no malicious intent behind Alina’s treatment, arguing that it was akin to a parent's rights in enforcing medical care. However, this defense is met with challenges as Alina was neither a child nor under his guardianship.

In a twist of fate, the nuns claim Alina had formidable strength and even practiced martial arts. This claim adds complexity to the narrative, twisting the perspectives around Alina's behavior and treatment.

Ultimately, the police take the Priest and the nuns implicated in Alina's restraints into custody. Voichița faces a painful decision as she decides to join them, signaling her commitment to truth amidst suffering.

As the story unfolds, it presents a gripping narrative filled with themes of love, faith, and the haunting consequences of belief. Voichița's inner conflict and Alina's tragic fate resonate deeply with the audience.