Cabrini Movie Review
My wife and I recently took our oldest daughter (16) to see the movie Cabrini, produced by Angel Studios. It was a stark portrayal of the uphill battle Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini faced as she left her homeland in Italy to serve the Italian immigrants in the slums of New York City’s Five Points neighborhood.
Overall, I thought this movie delivered on what I had hoped it would: To teach me who Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini was and what impact her life can have on us today.
What Is The Movie Cabrini About? In A Word…Fortitude.
The movie takes place around the last decade of the 1800’s. We are thrust into a world where the social norm at the time was to believe women had their place in society, and that place was not to make waves. Not to stir up trouble.
And we quickly realize that Mother Cabrini is all about stirring up trouble…the good kind where you stand up for those for whom society will not.
We see her determination when she demands to see Pope Leo XIII after writing to him numerous times requesting to establish missions in China. And we see her humility as she is told to travel to the United States instead.
We witness her strength and bravery as she stands up to a pimp who has essentially enslaved some of the youth in Five Points.
But more than anything, it’s the theme of fortitude that Mother Cabrini exemplifies through all of her struggles. She is continuously being told, mostly by men, that she cannot do this or accomplish that. There are so many roadblocks she encounters as she tries to serve the Italian immigrant community, even a fire that is intentionally set in a hospital she is attempting to build.
But over and over, Mother Cabrini persists. Her fortitude is an example to all of us, just as Christ’s own Passion was for the world.
Beautiful & Haunting Imagery
The whole movie is dark with muted, muddy colors, mirroring the darkness and dirtiness of Five Points and of the way the Italians were looked down upon as stupid and dirty. There are moments of brightness, happiness and warmth. But we are reminded by the film’s color and dimness what it must have really been like to live in such squalid conditions at the turn of the century in New York.
The imagery is haunting at times. We are shown multiple visions of a moment from her youth when she is apparently drowning in a river. This vision clearly haunts her. And it is often accompanied by a man saying “You don’t belong here!”
Cabrini Parents Guide: Can I Take My Kids To See It?
We had planned on bringing our 12-year-old daughter with us, but she ended up staying home sick. I’m honestly glad she didn’t make it. The movie was almost 2 and a half hours long. So I’m not sure she would have made it that long. Especially with the darker tone of the movie.
But more importantly, there were some heavy topics that come with such a realistic portrayal of the times. So I would caution you to limit your children’s exposure to this movie unless they are maybe 14 years old or older.
This movie might not be for your child if:
You don’t want to explain what a pimp and a prostitute are.
If you don’t want them to see images of destitute poverty.
If you don’t want them to see adults abusing, and even trying to kill, children.
This is a PG-13 movie, after all.
Cast Of Cabrini
I’ll preface this with the fact that I am NOT a professional movie critic. But I DO have 46 years of experience watching movies!
There are plenty of great actors in the film, but I’ll just cover three of the most recognizable Cabrini cast members here.
I thought Cristiana Dell'Anna, who plays Mother Cabrini, was an excellent actress. She has the unique ability to portray a range of emotions, from being a fierce, determined advocate to feeling completely helpless and defeated at times.
John Lithgow plays New York City’s Mayor Gould. As usual, this A-lister delivered his character’s performance with gusto. He is portrayed as a cranky, chauvinistic tyrant, but at times, you can feel the sparks of his heart changing ever so slightly.
The other recognizable actor for most will be David Morse who plays Archbishop Corrigan. He probably has the most character development throughout the movie. Going from a hardline church leader to someone who begins to see the big picture, or God’s plan, if you will.
Where Can I Watch Cabrini?
As of this writing, Cabrini is still in theaters on a limited basis.
Other than that, if you’re a Guild Member of Angel Studios, you can also stream Cabrini there. This is the same production company that brought us The Chosen and Sound Of Freedom.
As time goes on, I’m sure other outlets will allow you to stream the movie.
My Final Thoughts & Movie Rating For Cabrini
My only critiques are that I thought some of the character transformation was a little lacking. Especially, and surprisingly, with Mother Cabrini herself.
I would have liked to have seen more intimate details of how Cabrini was affected by the challenges she faced. And I would have liked to have seen more intimate details of how others were transformed by Mother Cabrini’s acts of charity and her fortitude. We certainly got more of the latter from some of the children, but not as much as I would have liked.
Overall though, I thought the movie was a wonderfully in-depth journey of a Catholic figure I didn’t previously know anything about. I was swept up in the courage and fulfillment that comes with rooting for an underdog who ultimately triumphs. And I think you will be, too.
I would give Cabrini a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars!
