Review by Karl Verhoven
Catherine was a raised to go to church, and despite now being a working adult living with flatmates, the habit is ingrained. She claims she goes to please her mother, who certainly still keeps close tabs on what Catherine does, crossing the boundary between caring and intrusive. However, the truth is that a series of unfortunate incidents following activities the Catholic church frowns on have dogged Catherine’s life and she’s afraid worse will happen if she doesn’t attend mass every Sunday. When her boyfriend persuades her to miss church one Sunday the strange circumstances shown on the sample art occur.
There’s an inconsistency to Anna Meyer’s extrapolation about the guilt induced by Catholic teachings, as Catherine is seen sleeping with her boyfriend without being married, and seemingly unconcerned about consequences from that breach of proscription. However, once the bigger plot kicks in such concerns are irrelevant. Her mother’s advice of “if you live your life as God intended you’ll be alright” is no comfort when Catherine finds herself possessed by a demon. It manifests, only to her, as a black blob not on the Earthly plane, but still able to affect her life.
Saint Catherine plays out as a comedy drama with wide appeal. It’s not a great stretch to imagine the film version starring . There are places where it seems Meyer is being indulgent in extending scenes too long, or including some that are unnecessary, but in the long run her instincts prove correct, and they’re all required. Catherine is presented sympathetically, everyone she interacts with has a purpose beyond just propping her up, and there’s a realism to their emotional responses. The demon plays several parts, being an unusually comic type, but they’re present to push Catherine into several realisations about herself.
Neat art is the cherry on the cake. Meyer designs a diverse cast, draws them attractively and fills out the locations they inhabit simply, but properly. The demon’s design is a masterstroke, so adaptable to any circumstances.
Anyone who’s watched enough medical dramas may have an alternative explanation for Catherine’s demon and her interaction with the saint after whom she’s named, but reality is subjective. Mayer’s ending is entirely appropriate and is brave for being true to the characters rather than attempting to please everyone. Spend a couple of hours with Catherine. You’ll enjoy the experience.
