The story of a young, uneducated girl named Bernadette Soubirous, to whom the Virgin Mary appeared several times in 1858 when she was fourteen years old. She introduced herself to Bernadette as the Immaculate Conception. Bernadette’s straightforwardness, combined with her stubbornness and kindness, are traits that give the film a pleasant dose of humor.

One day, a beautiful, radiant lady appears to Bernadette at the Massabielle Grotto. She asks Bernadette to return to this place several times in a row.

As news of these apparitions spreads, Bernadette is confronted not only with the enthusiasm of the many pilgrims who arrive but also with resistance and persecution from numerous officials and influential figures.

When, during one apparition, Bernadette smears mud across her face while trying to drink from a nonexistent spring, it seems that the matter is clear and settled. However, when a spring gushes forth from that spot shortly thereafter and several sick people are healed, the tide turns, and the crowds of arriving pilgrims grow rapidly.

Gradually, the reserved attitude of church officials changes, and even atheists are converted. Bernadette increasingly longs for seclusion and peace. When the apparitions cease, her wish to go live in a convent is eventually fulfilled.

She enters the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity in Nevers and takes the religious name Mary Bernard. Despite her fame, Bernadette is seen as a girl who is good for nothing and useless. Bernadette accepts this with humility; she does not try to forcefully prove her worth to others.

She finds the greatest joy in being able to care for the sick and dying during the final moments of their lives.

France, 2011, 109 min

Crew: Jean Sagols;

Cast: Katia Cuq, Francis Huster, Francis Perrin, Alessandra Martines, Rufus, Teresa Madruga, Michel Aumont, Alain Doutey, Eric Laugérias;

Parents Guide:

1x kissing scene involving Bernadette’s parents.

1 instance of Bernadette being slapped because she is considered a fraud, accompanied by a crude comment about burning at the stake in the Middle Ages.

1 instance of being stabbed with a knife during an apparition.

1 instance of saying “to hell with the apparitions.” About 1 instance of “oh my God.”

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