Stigmata Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Atheist gets a secondhand rosary and suddenly becomes a human pincushion while ranting about suppressed gospels, and a priest is like, “Is this a miracle, or just bad luck?”

🍿 Stigmata: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Rosary and the First Wounds

The story begins in Brazil with the death of a priest, Father Alameida. A rosary is stolen from his body and eventually finds its way to Frankie Paige, an atheist in Pittsburgh. Soon after receiving it, Frankie is violently attacked and develops wounds resembling stigmata, the wounds of Christ. These attacks are sudden, painful, and inexplicable by medical science.

A Priest Investigator

The Vatican sends Father Andrew Kiernan, a priest known for his scientific approach to investigating miracles, to examine Frankie’s case. He’s initially skeptical, believing stigmata only affects deeply religious individuals. However, as the attacks become more frequent and severe, and as Frankie begins speaking in Aramaic and writing cryptic messages, Andrew begins to question his beliefs.

The Lost Gospel

Andrew discovers that the messages Frankie is conveying relate to a suppressed Gospel, believed to be the actual words of Jesus. This Gospel challenges the authority of the Church by suggesting that the Kingdom of God exists within each individual, not solely within the walls of a church. The Church, represented by Cardinal Houseman, is determined to keep this gospel hidden, even if it means silencing Frankie.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Frankie Paige (Patricia Arquette): An atheist hairdresser who inexplicably begins to suffer from stigmata, becoming a vessel for a suppressed religious message.
• Father Andrew Kiernan (Gabriel Byrne): A priest and scientist tasked by the Vatican to investigate Frankie’s stigmata, leading him to question his faith and the Church’s secrets.
• Cardinal Daniel Houseman (Jonathan Pryce): A high-ranking Cardinal who attempts to suppress the truth behind the stigmata to protect the authority of the Catholic Church.
• Donna Chadway (Nia Long): Frankie’s close friend who provides support as Frankie experiences disturbing and violent events.
• Marion Petrocelli (Rade Serbedzija): An excommunicated priest and translator who provides Father Kiernan with crucial information about the suppressed gospel and its connection to Frankie’s stigmata.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Frankie: “Jesus said… the Kingdom of God is inside you, and all around you, not in mansions of wood and stone.” – While possessed, Frankie recites a key passage from the suppressed gospel, challenging traditional religious institutions.
• Frankie: “Split a piece of wood… and I am there, lift a stone… and you will find me.” – Frankie, as the conduit for Father Alameida, reveals the core message of the lost gospel: God is omnipresent and within everyone.
• Father Andrew Kiernan: “Brother Alameida, I call upon you to release this woman. Give her grace and let her not come into the ways of harm.” – Father Kiernan attempts to exorcise the spirit of Father Alameida from Frankie, seeking to end her suffering.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $29,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $50,046,268
• Worldwide Gross: $89,446,268

💥 Stigmata Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching ‘Stigmata’ as a teenager and being genuinely creeped out. The imagery of the wounds appearing and the whole mystery surrounding the lost gospel was really intriguing. However, rewatching it now, I think the pacing feels a bit off, and the “romance” between Frankie and Father Kiernan seems forced. Still, there are some genuinely unsettling scenes, especially in the subway, and Patricia Arquette’s performance is captivating, even if the plot is a bit messy.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of supernatural thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in religious themes and conspiracies”
  • “Those who enjoy movies with strong visual style”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence and gore”
  • “Religious themes that may be offensive to some viewers”
  • “Disturbing imagery”

Professional Reviews

• Entertainment Weekly: “Stigmata’s attempts at stylish horror are undermined by its convoluted plot and reliance on cheap scares. The film’s visual flair can’t mask its weak script and predictable twists, making for a forgettable experience.
• RogerEbert.com: “While ‘Stigmata’ explores potentially compelling themes of faith and religious corruption, it’s ultimately bogged down by excessive gore and a reliance on horror tropes. The film’s message gets lost in its sensationalism.
• Variety: “Despite strong performances from Arquette and Byrne, ‘Stigmata’ suffers from uneven pacing and a lack of clarity in its religious themes. The film’s visual style is striking, but it doesn’t fully compensate for its narrative shortcomings.

Audience Reactions

Patricia Arquette’s performance as Frankie is captivating and believable.: Many viewers were drawn to the film’s unique blend of horror and religious themes, finding it thought-provoking and visually striking.

The visual style and cinematography are memorable, even if the plot is confusing.: The exploration of faith, religious corruption, and personal spirituality was well done.

Overall Consensus: Stigmata is a visually arresting but narratively flawed horror film that explores themes of faith, corruption, and spirituality, buoyed by strong performances but ultimately hindered by its convoluted plot.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film’s visual style was heavily influenced by music videos, reflecting director Rupert Wainwright’s background.”
• “Some scenes were filmed at the Eastern Columbia Building in Los Angeles, recognizable for its distinctive Art Deco architecture.”
• “The movie explores themes related to the Gospel of Thomas, a Gnostic text not recognized by the Catholic Church, which adds a layer of historical and theological intrigue.”

🖥️ How to Watch Stigmata?

Stigmata is available for digital purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable or satellite options that may offer the movie on demand. Unfortunately, the film is not currently streaming on major subscription services like Netflix or Hulu, but keep an eye out for updates as streaming availability can change.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Stigmata, you might like these similar films:

• The Exorcist (1973): Shares themes of demonic possession and religious conflict, though ‘Stigmata’ explores a different type of spiritual battle.
• End of Days (1999): Also starring Gabriel Byrne, it features religious themes involving the Catholic Church, apocalyptic events, and the supernatural.
• The Da Vinci Code (2006): Explores similar themes of religious conspiracy and suppressed gospels within the Catholic Church.
• Angel Heart (1987): A film that mixes mystery with dark religious themes, exploring morality and damnation.

🛒 Stigmata Related Products

• Stigmata [Blu-ray]: Experience Stigmata in stunning high definition, featuring the original theatrical release. Perfect for collectors and fans of the film.
• Stigmata Movie Poster Print: High-quality print of the iconic Stigmata movie poster. A unique and stylish addition to any movie lover’s collection. Printed on archival paper for lasting quality.
• Stigmata: The Gospel Truth – A Companion Book: A deep dive into the themes of faith, corruption, and lost gospels explored in Stigmata. Includes essays, behind-the-scenes information, and theological perspectives. Kindle Edition also Available.
• Crucifix Pendant Necklace: A stylish crucifix pendant necklace, inspired by the religious imagery of the film. Made from high-quality materials and designed for everyday wear. Available in stainless steel, Gold Plated, and Silver plated. For both men and women

🎧 Soundtrack

Stigmata features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Mary Mary (Stigmatic Mix)” – performed by Chumbawamba
• “Release” – performed by Afro Celt Sound System
• “Dark Suite” – performed by BT

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Vatican Church Has Been Hiding This Secret Proof From Everyone

Want a quick recap of ‘Stigmata’ before diving in? This video gives you the whole story, and honestly, it highlights some pretty crazy secrets within the movie!

END OF DAYS (The Salvation of Humanity + Ending) EXPLAINED

Love Gabriel Byrne? Check out this video where they break down the ending of ‘End of Days’ where he stars as the villian!. It’s a wild ride and you can even compare his role in Stigmata.

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