If youve been praying for a celluloid remedy to your box office flu, seek solace in Lourdes, a haunting new film by Cannes-wining director Jessica Hausner. In it, Christine, a physically disabled and emotionally awkward young woman, sets out on a pilgrimage to Lourdes, France, where the Virgin Mary allegedly performs healing miracles. Traveling alongside other desperate souls takes the edge off Christines isolation, but her companions soon turn on her when shes singled out for a holy intervention.
The Austrian auteurs third feature has radiated under a halo of buzz. Since its release last year, Lourdes has won four awards at the Venice Film Festival and snagged best flick kudos at the 2009 Vienna International Film Festival. Catch the metaphysical gem this Sunday at the Miami Beach Cinematheque.
Fri., May 14, 8:45 p.m.; Sat., May 15, 8:45 p.m.; Sun., May 16, 8:45 p.m., 2010