Review of Saint Maud
midlandsmovies • November 13, 2020
Saint Maud (2020) Dir. Rose Glass
2020 has been devastating for cinema, with the high-ticket blockbusters postponed and theatres having to shut their doors for most of the year. There has been an upside to the reduced schedule, however, and that is that some of the smaller features have had a chance to shine.
One of these is undoubtedly Rose Glass’ debut feature Saint Maud. While psychological, emotive horror has been very much in vogue recently, it would be easy for this nasty little gem to be buried in a regular schedule. Luckily, audiences are having the chance to discover Saint Maud, with its stunning lead performance by Morfydd Clark.
Clark plays Maud, a young carer who has recently converted to Catholicism and brings an intense, pious attitude to her work. Tasked with providing palliative care to former dancer Amanda (Jennifer Ehle), Maud convinces herself that this not simply a case of helping the body but also saving a lost soul.
Glass’ script shines here, examining the dangers of unquestioning devotion on a person’s mental health, and the ravaging effects of terminal illness. Amanda is often cruel to Maud, mocking her faith, yet we also see the embarrassment of a talented, active woman struck down and forced to rely on others. In the same way, Maud’s past is only hinted at, but we can see the struggles of her faith, how it constantly bruised and on the verge of slipping.
The film swerves between grounded and otherworldly sequences, and these more fantastical parts are often gruelling, grotesque moments. Maud’s self-abuse as way of penance makes for uncomfortable viewing (especially that scene with her trainers) and the film gathers pace as she becomes more disconnected from the real world.
There’s an argument that Glass overeggs the pudding somewhat with the climax. An unnecessary jump scare certainly risks taking you out of the film, but the ultimate moments feel like a fitting conclusion to what has come before. With Saint Maud, Glass has steamrolled into the conversation as one of our finest horror directors.
Matthew Tilt
Twitter @Matthew_Tilt
On Sunday 26th April Midlands Movies Editor Michael Sales & awards ceremony co-host Ed Stagg (BBC Radio) announced the nominations for the 2026 Midlands Movies Awards live from the Queen of Bradgate Vintage Cinema in Leicester. A big thanks was given to the entire Jury Panel of industry experts who gave up their precious time to watch a huge selection of creative projects and as always, had a difficult time choosing from the excellent number of films from the region. You can read the full list of nominations across all 16 categories below and watch our announcement videos here: Part 1 & Part 2 And please also check out our great awards partner Chrome Video Best Actress in a Leading Role Karendip Phull for Family Kate Bracken for The Lace Rachel Baker for Throwing Fruit Chloe Wade for How Long Sophie Bullock for Ma Prison Best Animated Film Of All the Things by Steff Lee Big Red by James Pyle Statue in the Garden by Qianhui Yu Butterfly by Jacob Christie Best Director Luke Worrall for The Waterline Lily Portman for Quiet Jack Richardson for Daniel’s Room Jonathan Hawes for Sorry We’re Closed Sophia Dall'Aglio for Man from Mars Best Documentary Nothing's Impossible by Jacob Thomas McClean A Birmingham Symphony by Jemma Saunders We Bring Light: Leicester's Diwali Legacy by Kieran Vyas The Sunshine Café by Jill Lampert Through the Viewfinder by William North Best Sound (Editing or Mixing) Neil Evans & his team for Artificial Insanity Alasdair Gretton for Dead on Distribution Deepanjali Patel for Earworm David Hamilton-Smith for The Pause Heidi Wilson for Of All The Things Best Actor in a Supporting Role Devon Junior for Lazar Tim Sparrow for Safety Net Shaiek Ahmed Rana for Family Luke Rollason for Quiet Peter Willoughby for A Story of Spring Best Visual & Special Effects Jake Wesley-Worrall for Soul Trader Steve Askey & team for The Correction Unit Nick Willett, Matt Burkey & Jayne Hyman for Black Goat JaqD SFX MUA, Mind Magic Studios and Ben Harker for Beyond the Witching Hour Pete Key, Jai Blanks and Jacob Christie for Countenance Best Cinematography Gary Rogers for The Pause Laurence Mason-Guetta for Sorry We’re Closed Ian Snape for Soul Trader Ash Connaughton for Daniel’s Room Duane Adamoli for Surfing (nominations continue below...)
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