TV Review: Warrior Nun Kicks Ass And Take Holy Names
The minute I saw the trailer for Warrior Nun, my years as a Catholic schoolgirl flashed before my eyes and gave me chills. Nuns are not, necessarily, known for their kindness or ability to kick-ass. In fact, most films portray them as the random witness to a murder or the cranky, old lady that whips our protagonist with a ruler. In school, I had one nun know as “The Pincher:” a woman that would pinch children’s ears, cheeks, and arms. when they were being “sinful” or disruptive in class. CHILLS! Yet, Netflix’s Warrior Nun aims to revamp and revitalize the ancient idea that nuns are “not fun.” They are married to GOD! Of course, they are!
Coming out July 2 on Netflix, Warrior Nun is based of the comic series by Ben Dunn, which faced its own controversies because anytime you use religious figures in a way that reaches beyond Gospel description: you get backlash. From lesbian affairs to drugs and thievery, these chosen ladies might not fit what WAS the concept of a perfect, religious being avowed to our Lord. Yet, that is point, as creator, Simon Barry consistently drives throughout series, which allows its cast to be its vital charm. Each actress is a woman filled with raw fears, strengths, dreams, and doubts over how they can defend God’s creation, humanity, without really knowing where theirs lie.
Warrior Nun | Official Trailer | Netflix
Our central character is Ava, played endearingly by Alba Baptista. Instantly, I got Ellen Page in Juno vibes from the young actress; she is sparingly witty and a flowing blend of bitter and hopeful. Yet, the series does VERY well in allowing Ava to have growth and giving its audience an understanding of where she is coming from; she is an orphaned paraplegic that has been raised by a haggle of cruel nuns. Yes, the series did have to fulfill some stereotypes of cruel nunnery. Yet, by miracle, an angel’s halo finds her, gives her powers, and resurrects her into a life she, literally, has never known. Ava is not simply finding an order of nuns, called the Order of the Cruciform Sword, to protect the earth and serve Heaven, she is also walking for the first time and leaving her orphanage to see young people drinking, dancing, laughing, and bonding. The “fish out of water” angle is prevalent for quite some time throughout the series, which is why I warn viewers to enter the show with an open perspective.
Usually, by the end of episode 1 or 2, the heroine has completely accepted her powers, her new team of world defenders, and decides to explore her fate but…. not Ava. I was a little surprised how, well into the season, Ava is still denying it all and trying to escape from The Order.In reality, you would understand her perspective, but, as a Netflix series, you will get a little antsy and say, “Just join them, Ava!” After all, they are REALLY COOL! Each nun gets an opportunity to KICK ASS and has an elegant firmness that makes you think they are a bunch of Joan of Arcs gathering to protect France. Toya Turner as Shotgun Mary, Lorena Andrea as Sister Lilith, Olivia Delcan’s Camila, and Kristina Tonteri-Young as Sister Beatrice all feel like legitimate, spiritual warriors, which is why the series shines when Ava FINALLY joins them and a FIERCE sisterhood begins to form. Yet, again, that only happens in back-end of the series.
Netflix’s Warrior Nun: Season 1 – Official Red Band Trailer
Filmed in Spain, the series is stunning; although no Spanish is in sight (lol!). Still, the set gives the show an ancient religiosity, which furthers the devoutness of characters like, Sylvia De Fanti’s Mother Superior and Tristan Ulloa’s Father Vincent. These women, and a priest, BELIEVE they are standing up for God, but like in most religions, competition comes from who stands up MOST, which is why I did fall in love with Lorena Andrea as Lilith. She is a sheer symbol that the person most eager to represent God might be pushing themselves to represent Hell. Her dynamic performance shines with Turner’s Shotgun Mary to give the show an emotional weight that allows you to pull through a plot you wish was a tad bit quicker. Still, I am all in for Season 2.
