Anna Daniels
Saint Clare is approaching this summer—mysteriously, ominously, and without remorse.
The first time I encountered that striking image of Bella Thorne, bathed in red with piercing eyes and silence, it was impactful. It immediately conveyed that this film transcends typical teen slasher flicks—it’s a dive into spirituality, obsession, and the darker aspects of humanity.
A Rural Reckoning
In this quiet town, Clare Bleecker, portrayed by Thorne, embodies purity: a vegan, a devoted Catholic, and an orphan living with her grandparents. Yet, lurking beneath this facade is a menacing truth. Tormented by voices, Clare takes on the role of a punisher to those with harmful intentions. Is it justified? Messianic? Regardless, she’s relentless—her final act leads her into a web of sex trafficking, corruption, and haunting supernatural experiences.
The Transition from Book to Film
Based on Don Roff’s Clare at Sixteen, Saint Clare occupies a haunting space between serial-killer horror and religious enigma. Directed by Mitzi Peirone—known for Braid—who co-wrote the screenplay alongside American Psycho writer Guinevere Turner. Peirone infuses the film with striking visuals: wet streets, stained-glass scenes, and blood-soaked prayers. This gothic atmosphere is intensified by a score from Zola Jesus, incorporating industrial-electronic choral elements that resonate with Clare’s troubled mind.
Festival Origins & Release Information
- Premiere: Taormina International Film Festival, 2024
- Genre Showcases: FrightFest (UK), Oldenburg, SXSW Sydney
- LA Accolades: Best Narrative Feature and Best Director at the L.A. Independent Women Film Awards
- US Release: Limited theaters + VOD on July 18, 2025 through Quiver Distribution
There’s an oddity in casting a 26-year-old to portray a high school student—and that’s intentional. Clare’s disconnect from youth gives her an unsettling authority as she delivers her brutal form of justice. Yet, when her facade collapses, the truth revealed isn’t merely the loss of innocence—it culminates in a supernatural confrontation.
Diverse Cast—The Familial Ties
- Bella Thorne captures the quiet terror of Clare.
- Ryan Phillippe portrays Timmons, a link to Clare’s history.
- Rebecca DeMornay (from Hand That Rocks the Cradle) and Frank Whaley support the narratives of buried secrets and hushed transgressions.
- Veteran actors Bart Johnson, Dylan Flashner, and Erica Dasher enrich the fabric of the small-town setting.
The Significance
This trailer isn’t solely about evoking excitement—it offers a critique of faith and insanity. Peirone states, “Artists and people of faith share many similarities… when endowed with vision and a clear purpose, nothing can intimidate you.” Clare’s sight—whether divine inspiration or madness—provokes questions about the boundaries between virtue and extremism.
The visuals are audacious—deep reds, rich darkness, and reflective surfaces showcasing Clare’s disintegrating sense of self. It feels like The Exorcist meeting Peaky Blinders, steeped in a haze of incense and foreboding.
Concluding Thoughts
July 18 is just around the corner. Saint Clare might become the unexpected indie thriller of the season—gritty, thought-provoking, and drenched in blood. Are you prepared to heed the whispers?
