Magic Lantern to open Catholic film ‘Novitiate’

Continuing its practice of seeking out films you're not likely to see anywhere else, the Magic Lantern Theater will open the Catholic-minded movie "Novitiate" on Friday.

Capturing an 88 percent positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes (73 percent among regular viewers, the film is described this way: "Led by a gripping performance from Melissa Leo, 'Novitiate' grapples uncompromisingly — and ultimately compellingly — with questions of faith and feminism."

Here are some critical comments:

Colin Covert, Minneapolis Star Tribune: ""Novitiate" is challenging, uncomfortable, violent, simple in its message about transformative mind control imposed on youth, superbly acted and technically flawless"

Andrea Gronvall, Chicago Reader: "Writer-director Maggie Betts balances the naturalistic exchanges of her sympathetic young cast with bravura set pieces for the seasoned actors."

Christy Lemire, RogerEbert.com: " 'Novitiate' finds room for all these viewpoints; appreciating the dedication it takes to live such a life while also questioning its suppression of individuality, emotion. This willingness to embrace such complexity is a bit of a miracle in itself."

I'll update the overall list of Friday's openings when it becomes final.