This review of “Benedetta” first published on July 9, following its screening at Cannes 2021. Some see the whole world in a grain of sand; Paul Verhoeven, with typical abundance, expands that old ...

Paul Verhoeven, director of Robocop, Showgirls, Starship Troopers, etc. has always been a horny little altar boy at heart and never has that been more clear than in his new film, Benedetta, a tale of ...

The provocateur returns to competition with this French-language drama, based on a true story about a 17th-century nun who was chastised for her religious visions and lesbian affairs. By Jordan ...

Beneath the explicit sex and violence of the latest film from Dutch provocateur Paul Verhoeven are thoughtful challenges about gender roles and institutional religion. As a child, Benedetta is praised ...

Paul Verhoeven, you horny motherfucker, you’ve done it again. Few filmmakers have made a name for themselves violently confronting the nigh-puritanical state of modern cinema the way Verhoeven has.

The flesh is weak but the third act is even weaker in Paul Verhoeven's transgressive but frustratingly self-conflicted period piece. You probably won’t be shocked to hear that Paul Verhoeven’s erotic ...

From the first few moments, when a traveling performer lights his farts on fire while being chased by skeleton-clad agents of death, Benedetta signals its devotion to corporeal impulses. “Your worst ...

In a frank interview, the "Showgirls," "Basic Instinct," and "Elle" director explains why that Virgin Mary dildo was a dramatic necessity. Cannes debut “Benedetta” is his latest provocation, a true ...

Paul Verhoeven is out to challenge our cultural Puritanism. A man fascinated by the taboo and the off-limits, his films are full of graphic, shocking, controversial depictions of sexuality. “Benedetta ...

Why are we asking for donations? Why are we asking for donations? This site is free thanks to our community of supporters. Voluntary donations from readers like you keep our news accessible for ...

They say it’s not really the holiday season until “The Sound of Music” has aired on at least one channel, but this year there’s a new contender for Fraulein Maria’s crown. “Benedetta,” Paul ...

The California Times is committed to reviewing theatrical film releases during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because moviegoing carries risks during this time, we remind readers to follow health and safety ...