In a small town, a lonely woman is tormented by voices that drive her to murder malicious people and get away with it, until her latest murder draws her into a labyrinth plagued by corruption, trafficking, and visions from beyond the grave.
Filmmaker Mitzi Peirone returns with a new mystery thriller, Saint Clare, starring Bella Thorne. Based on the book "Clare at Sixteen," we present the story of Clare Bleecker, a woman with a tragic past who hears voices that compel her to kill those who do horrible things to others. After moving from town to town, she settles with her grandmother Gigi. Clare tries to live a normal college life during the day and still fulfill her mission: to eliminate those who mean to do harm. Her latest murder leads her to investigate the numerous cases of missing women that have plagued the area. As Clare delves deeper into the town, she uncovers a terrifying secret related to trafficking, corruption, and visions from beyond the grave. Can she solve this mystery and get away with it, or will it become just another missing person?
Director: Mitzi Peirone
Writers: Mitzi Peirone, Don Roff, Guinevere Turner
Stars: Ryan Phillippe, Rebecca De Mornay, Bella Thorne
Some films prioritize style over substance. In this case, Saint Clare possesses both. At its core, it's a fairly straightforward mystery, but Peirone's unique use of visual symmetry, colors, and a paranormal touch elevates it above other films of its kind. From the opening shot, where we see Clare perfectly centered, lying in her bed repeating a mantra, one is drawn into this world and held there for the entire film. There are several moments where deep red leaves are used to convey Clare's killer instinct. They are used sparingly, which makes it all the more effective. Cinematographer Luka Bazeli's sharp use of the center of the shot helps convey the fine line Clare walks between being good and evil in her murders. These are just a few of the many elements that enhance a dark, character-driven story that will have you rooting for the main character while wondering if it's right to do so.
Bella Thorne gives her best performance as Clare, portraying the struggle between being a normal college student and a killer, bringing nuance to the transition between the two. Early on, we see a man trying to take her home; at first, she refuses the request, but then a wonderful smile spreads across her lips, and you know she's gone from prey to predator. The killer, Clare, is terrifyingly good at killing and acts intelligently throughout most of the film. There's also an angle to Clare's faith that adds another dimension to this complex character.
Things get even more complicated with an unexpected companion: Postman Bob, played by Frank Whaley. I loved Postman Bob. He's someone only Clare can see, and he acts as part of her conscience. I didn't expect Bob to play such a significant role. His scenes with Bella are very entertaining and manage to present Clare as more than just a killer. It was also great to see Rebecca De Mornay as Gigi, Clare's grandmother. Her performance is more than just a cameo and is grounded and moving.
Saint Clare has quickly become one of my favorite independent films of the year. Mitzi Peirone has delivered an intriguing, captivating, elegant, and complex story, as visually interesting as it is narratively. If you're thinking this might be an "all men are bad" story, think again. It's simply a highly entertaining film with talent both behind and in front of the camera, exploring themes many women face, wrapped in a solid mystery for everyone to enjoy.
Saint Clare begins as we meet Clare (Thorne), who possesses the gift of communicating with the dead. She uses this gift to identify threats, and her latest objective leads her to the attention of Detective Rich Timmons (Phillippe). Clare seeks to cover her tracks, communicate with her ghost mailman, Bob (Whaley), and solve the mystery of the missing women in the area.
The more Clare investigates, the more disturbing the town's secrets become. She must figure out how to expose it all while containing her inner voices, which can sometimes consume her.
Saint Clare is a horror thriller that follows a young woman who can hear voices. These voices guide her in dealing with criminals, but things have started to take their toll on her. However, her friends are in danger, and now she won't stop until she saves them.
This film balances the idea of a serial killer receiving messages to do the right thing with the mystery that has given her a difficult case to solve. In some ways, it feels like "Dexter," as someone dealing with criminals in her own way of justice. All while talking to the dead who guide her.
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