“Maud is a reclusive young nurse whose impressionable demeanour causes her to pursue a pious path of Christian devotion after an obscure trauma. Now charged with the hospice care of Amanda, a retired dancer ravaged by cancer, Maud's fervent faith quickly inspires an obsessive conviction that she must save her ward's soul from eternal damnation, whatever the cost.”

The Good

Saint Maud is an extremely well made film from top to bottom. The acting is perfect, the camera work is creative and immersive, the cinematography is on point perfectly setting the somber mood, and the score hits all of the right notes at the right moments. Writer/director Rose Glass (her directorial debut) does a fantastic job creating what feels like a uniquely claustrophobic setting, making the relationship with the main character feel that much more intimate - and disturbing. I look forward to more from her.

The acting is easily one of the biggest strengths of the film, and the chemistry between Morfydd Clark (Maud) and Jennifer Ehle (Amanda/Maud’s patient) feels authentic, which helps to build what feels like genuine tension within their unique relationship. By the time I finished the movie I felt like I knew Maud, and to be honest that made me feel a little dirty and in need of a shower. She is such a complex character who basically lives her life inside her own twisted mind, and those around her seem well aware of her strange tendencies.

The elements of a well-crafted indie horror film are all perfectly intact, making you feel like its never quite safe to let your guard down. We are treated to a few well-timed and “classy” jump scares, as well as a few hair standing up on the back of your neck moments. Saint Maud is a character study of sorts, magnifying the complexities of a lost soul that feels invisible to society, but at the same time is convinced she was put on this Earth for reasons bigger than herself - a dangerous combination.

The Bad

I really don’t have much negative to report about Saint Maud, except I suppose the fact that it may struggle to satisfy viewers expecting the usual run-of-the-mill horror. It has a few jump scares and a creepy feel throughout the film, but its just not a horror movie that is going to have you covering your eyes. It is more comparable to The Witch than it is Hereditary, and thrives by creating a world that feels real and strangely relatable. With that being said, I would have preferred that it was scarier but I also have a high tolerance. The ending may rub some people the wrong way, but I really liked the symbolism behind it and the fact that it left things open for interpretation.

Saint Maud falls more in line with the psychological horror/drama genre, touching on mental illness, cancer, religion, and drug use mixed with general sexual deviance.

The Verdict

Dark and unsettling from start to finish, Saint Maud is yet another gem from A24 that will leave a lasting impression on horror enthusiasts. I do suggest a second viewing to fully understand and appreciate the inward and outward transformation Maud’s character experiences. Highly recommended.

“It takes nothing special to mop up after the decrepit and the dying - but to save a soul, that’s quite something.” - Maud