There are films that feel necessary, stories that deserve to be told but often get overshadowed in favor of louder, more agenda-driven narratives. Cabrini is one of those films—a stunningly crafted biopic about Madre Francesca Cabrini, a woman whose impact on America and the world is nothing short of extraordinary.
Going into the film, I feared it might fall into the trap of being overly sanctimonious or preachy, a film more concerned with moral messaging than storytelling. Instead, I was happily disappointed in my expectation. What I got was a masterpiece of visual storytelling, breathtaking performances, and a historical drama that feels both relevant and timeless.
🚨 Spoiler Warning: This review discusses key plot details, including the film’s central mystery.
Alejandro Monteverde’s Finest Work Yet
Director Alejandro Monteverde (Sound of Freedom, Bella) delivers what may be his magnum opus with Cabrini. From the opening frame, Monteverde sets the leitmotif of the film—a visual and emotional grandeur that carries through to the very last scene.
🎥 Every single frame is a Renaissance painting brought to life, with a level of artistry rarely seen in modern cinema.
🎭 The pacing is masterful, allowing the audience to sit with the emotions of each moment rather than rushing through them.
🎶 The film’s only Oscar nomination—Best Original Score—feels like a cruel joke, considering the sheer technical and narrative excellence on display.
Monteverde’s direction is deliberate and elegant, ensuring that Cabrini is not just a historical retelling but a deeply moving cinematic experience.
Cristiana Dell’Anna’s Stellar Performance as Madre Cabrini
A film like this lives or dies by its lead performance, and Cristiana Dell’Anna delivers one of the most powerful, emotionally charged performances of the year.
🔹 Her portrayal of Francesca Cabrini captures both the warmth of a saint and the fiery determination of a warrior.
🔹 She moves through the full spectrum of human emotion—fear, hope, pain, resilience—without a single false note.
🔹 There are moments where she makes you cry, others where she makes you laugh, but above all, she makes you root for this incredible woman’s journey.
It is infuriating that Dell’Anna’s performance was overlooked by the Academy, especially when films with far weaker lead performances were celebrated.
A Breath of Fresh Air in a World of Superficial Icons
In an era where social media influencers and reality TV stars are glorified, Cabrini is a reminder that true heroism still exists.
🔹 Cabrini was not a fictitious anti-hero trying to escape the sins of her past—she was a real woman who fought for the poor, the sick, and the forgotten.
🔹 While Hollywood showered Emilia Perez with 13 nominations, celebrating a fictional drug lord turned trans woman, Cabrini was left in the shadows, with only a single nomination for its score.
🔹 This stark contrast is a reflection of what Hollywood has become, favoring ideological messaging over genuine storytelling.
That is not to say Cabrini is a preachy, one-sided film. It presents the challenges, the doubts, and the resistance she faced, making her journey even more compelling.
David Morse’s Subtle Complexity as Father Morelli
The acting in Conclave is nothing short of spectacular.
One of the film’s most fascinating dynamics is the love-hate relationship between Cabrini and Father Morelli, played by the brilliant David Morse.
🔹 At times, he seems like Cabrini’s greatest ally, supporting her cause and admiring her resilience.
🔹 At other times, he becomes an obstacle, questioning her methods and challenging her unwavering faith.
🔹 Morse plays the role with quiet intensity, making his character feel both layered and deeply human.
Their interactions create some of the film’s most emotionally charged moments, making the audience question how faith, power, and tradition collide within the Catholic Church.
Romana Maggiora Vergano’s Moving Transformation
A standout supporting performance comes from Romana Maggiora Vergano, who plays a prostitute whose life is changed by Cabrini’s influence.
🔹 Her character arc is one of the most deeply emotional in the film, showcasing how compassion and faith can transform even those society has discarded.
🔹 Vergano’s performance is raw and moving, never falling into clichés or melodrama.
Her role is a powerful testament to Cabrini’s work—not just helping the poor in theory, but changing real lives.
John Lithgow: A Brilliant but Distracting Villain
Every great story needs a great antagonist, and John Lithgow delivers as Mayor Gould, Cabrini’s primary political adversary.
🔹 Lithgow is fantastic—he embodies the rigid, skeptical bureaucracy that sought to keep Cabrini’s work from thriving.
🔹 His presence adds weight and gravitas to the film, making the stakes feel real.
However… I can’t help but see him as Dick Solomon from 3rd Rock from the Sun. That’s my problem, not his. 😆
But setting personal associations aside, he delivers an impeccable performance, reinforcing just how much opposition Cabrini had to face at every step.
Final Verdict: The Most Underrated Film of the Year
Cabrini is not just a great film—it’s an important film. It is beautifully crafted, emotionally gripping, and a breath of fresh air in an industry that too often prioritizes ideology over storytelling.
🏆 Oscar Chances: It deserved far more than just a Best Original Score nomination.
🎭 Cristiana Dell’Anna deserved a Best Actress nomination.
🎬 Alejandro Monteverde deserved a Best Director nomination.
🎥 The film itself deserved a Best Picture nomination.
It’s a glaring omission, and one that proves the Academy’s priorities are increasingly misaligned with genuine cinematic excellence.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely.
🎬 Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)