So You're Just In for the Sex? Here's What to Expect from Verhoeven's Benedetta
I break-down the major sexual interactions between the main characters. No 'under-age' allowed after this point or I'll tell your mommy and daddy.
Benedetta (2021) shows two female nuns performing sexual acts. Here's what you can expect from it (only explicit scenes between the two characters). Timestamps are approximate (in bold). Read my full review here.
21'
Benedetta and Bartolomea are ready to go to sleep. Before they go their own way, Bartolomea—making sure that nobody is watching her—gives a quick kiss on Benedetta's lips (close-up, 1-2 seconds).
33'
While Benedetta is tied up to a bed (it has nothing to do with sexual fantasies), Bartolomea takes advantage of the situation, 'seduces' her and gives her a brief but passionate kiss (close-up, 2-3 seconds).
39'
Benedetta and Bartholomea are ready to go to sleep. Bartolomea wants to see Benedetta naked, but she replies that a person cannot be seen naked in front of others. To get her way, Bartolomea drops Benedetta’s clothing so she is forced to come around and pick it up. We see Benedetta naked—although in a dark lit environment—through a semi-transparent curtain (long-shot, 6-7 seconds).
As you might be starting to suspect, Bartolomea is the 'troublemaker'.
51'
Lying in bed, at night, during a thunderstorm, Benedetta and Bartolomea are next to each other. Bartolomea starts massaging Benedetta's breast (medium-shot, 17-18 seconds). She enjoys it. Things are clearly heating up.
62'
And now, the moment you’ve been waiting for. Benedetta teaches Bartolomea how to write (okay, probably not that moment). Their hands touch, sexual arousal kicks in and they kiss, leading them to sex. Benedetta is partially naked throughout the scene and Bartolomea is fully naked. No genitalia can be seen. You’ll see 'boobies' and some 'booty' from the side. It’s just a bit of 'fingering' and oral sex (various shots, 4 minutes). It's 'vanilla' sex. LOL.
74'
And this is what will offend religious people. Bartolomea uses a sex 'toy' to please Benedetta (various shots, 1m 11s). No genitalia, 'boobies' or 'booty' can be seen. Both characters are 'fully' dressed. For details, read my review here.
79'
Benedetta first tries to make Bartolomea masturbate her, but she's angry and refuses to do it, so she decides to masturbate herself in front of her (various shots, 2m 22s). No genitalia can be seen. Benedetta, in the first part of the scene, is shown fully naked (mostly front, including pubic hair, but no 'booty'). She dresses for the final part but Bartolomea does show her breasts. It’s important to notice that this scene is about conflict, not sex.
121'
One morning, after all tribulations, Benedetta and Bartolomea wake up fully naked (you'll see everything except genitalia) and the movie ends (various shots, 3m 30s). Again, this scene is about conflict and not sexual arousal.
That's it.
As you can see, there are only two 'major' sex scenes (62' and 74') that last no more than six minutes combined (roughly 4% of the total running time, not including the final credits). The rest are only brief kisses and nudity. Obviously, the movie is not meant to be pornographic. It's an artistic work of fiction that deals with bigger subjects, but it does have significant sexual content if you compare it with your average family-friendly Hollywood fare. It's based on a historical account but I'm not familiar with it. I cannot comment if what Verhoeven shows can be found on the actual record. My recommendation: Never shape your perception and understanding of historical events based on a fictional work as your primary (or worse, your only) source. You can read my review here. Until next time.