I am trying to think if there has been a truly great monastic thriller - or even a good one, it's not exactly a bustling genre - since 1986's The Name Of The Rose and, frankly, I'm drawing a blank. Director Dominik Moll (Lemming) is hoping to break that streak with The Monk.
Vincent Cassel takes the lead here and the idea of a performer as charismatic as Cassel being handed this sort of material is more than a little exciting. And the first teaser seems to promise that it will live up to expectations. Check it below.Adapted from Matthew G. Lewis' 1796 cult gothic novel, THE MONK follows the tragic destiny of Brother Ambrosio in 17th century Catholic Spain.
Abandoned at birth at the gates of a Capuchin monastery, Ambrosio was raised by the friars. Today, he has grown into a preacher admired far and wide for his fervor. Feared, though, for his righteousness, he is believed to be immune from temptation.
The arrival of a mysterious apprentice undermines his convictions, leading him onto the path of sin.