Novitiate

Audience emotional responses to 'Novitiate' are heavily influenced by its dramatic portrayal of spiritual struggle and institutional conflict. Sadness is prominent due to the personal sacrifices, the harsh realities of convent life, and the disillusionment faced by young novices like Cathleen. Empathy is high as viewers connect with the characters' challenging journeys of faith, obedience, and self-discovery amidst a rigid system and the profound changes of Vatican II. Melancholy reflects the film's somber atmosphere, the quiet suffering, and a sense of loss for tradition or personal freedom. Anxiety stems from the strict discipline, the fear of the Mother Abbess's authority, and the uncertainty of the novices' spiritual and personal futures. Anger is directed at the unyielding traditionalism and perceived injustices within the convent, particularly the Mother Abbess's resistance to modernization.