Sacred Flesh review

Why you can trust GamesRadar+ Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about our reviews policy.

In 1989, the BBFC invoked 12th-century blasphemy laws to ban Nigel Wingrove's short Visions Of Ecstasy. Its eroticism was generally passable - - except for scenes involving the body of Christ. With Sacred Flesh, Wingrove is back in similar territory, exploring sexual repression among medieval nuns.

God-fearing Sister Elizabeth (Tremain), facing her own yearnings, enters into a dialogue with Mary Magdalene, recounting the confessions of various blonde and busty young nuns who succumbed to satisfying themselves. The climactic sequence tops Visions Of Ecstasy by showing Elizabeth snogging a female, crucified Christ.

Certainly, Christian controls on sexuality are worthy of investigation. And despite its '80s kids-TV production values and wobbly acting, Sacred Flesh makes a fair stab. But Wingrove confounds debate every time the make-up adorned `nuns' slip out of their habits.

More info

Available platformsMovie
Less

The Total Film team are made up of the finest minds in all of film journalism. They are: Editor Jane Crowther, Deputy Editor Matt Maytum, Reviews Ed Matthew Leyland, News Editor Jordan Farley, and Online Editor Emily Murray. Expect exclusive news, reviews, features, and more from the team behind the smarter movie magazine.