Sydney Sweeney's R-Rated Horror With One Of Her Best Performances Is Now On Netflix

Published Aug 13, 2026, 1:24 PM EDT Richard Craig is a Senior Author at Screen Rant covering film and TV. Richard has also written extensively about horror and film soundtracks, contributing a chapter to the first major academic collection on the folk horror genre, The Routledge Companion to Folk Horror. Richard is also a performing musician and holds an MA in Music and Sound Art. One of Sydney Sweeney’s greatest performances ever is an R-rated horror movie that just became available on Netflix. Over the past few years, Sydney Sweeney has become one of Hollywood's busiest stars. Between acclaimed television performances, major studio movies, romantic comedies, and even producing her own projects, she has built a career that extends far beyond the role that first made her a household name. While many audiences primarily know Sweeney from prestige dramas like Euphoria and The White Lotus, as well as blockbuster franchises like Madame Web, some of her most interesting work has come in horror. The genre has long been a proving ground for talented actors, naturally spotlighting an actor’s emotional vulnerability and physical intensity. Sweeney has repeatedly shown she understands exactly how to navigate these. Rather than treating horror as a stepping stone to other projects, Sweeney has consistently delivered committed performances that elevate the material around her. Whether she's playing a frightened teenager, a determined survivor, or someone slowly unraveling under pressure, she brings a level of conviction that makes even the most outrageous moments feel believable. That commitment was particularly evident in one of her most recent genre outings, Immaculate. The narrative boasts psychological horror, religious imagery, body horror, and a genuinely fearless central performance. It’s earned praise from both critics and horror fans, becoming one of the most talked-about genre releases of its year. Immaculate Is Now Streaming On Netflix - What It's About Directed by Michael Mohan, Immaculate stars Sydney Sweeney as Sister Cecilia, a deeply religious young American woman who travels to an isolated convent in rural Italy after accepting an invitation to join its community. Initially, the convent appears peaceful. The picturesque location, ancient architecture, and welcoming atmosphere suggest Cecilia has found the spiritual purpose she has been seeking. After arriving, Cecilia discovers she is mysteriously pregnant despite remaining a virgin. The convent's leadership interprets the pregnancy as a miracle, drawing comparisons to the biblical conception of Jesus Christ. Cecilia, however, becomes increasingly suspicious as strange events begin unfolding around her. As the story progresses, she uncovers disturbing secrets hidden within the institution's walls. Immaculate gradually shifts from religious mystery into full-blown horror, with psychological tension, cult-like behavior, graphic violence, and body horror elements that become increasingly intense as the narrative approaches its climax. Why Immaculate Is Worth Watching On Netflix One of Immaculate's greatest strengths is its atmosphere. The Italian convent setting provides a naturally eerie backdrop, allowing for tension even during its quieter scenes. Long hallways, candlelit chambers, and centuries-old architecture constantly reinforce the sense that something is deeply wrong beneath the surface. Immaculate also benefits from strong pacing. Rather than immediately revealing its secrets, Immaculate carefully builds suspense while gradually introducing increasingly unsettling details. Every new revelation raises additional questions, encouraging viewers to keep guessing about what is really happening. Critics and audiences frequently singled out the ending as one of the film's most effective aspects. For Netflix subscribers who enjoy religious horror, psychological thrillers, or character-driven genre films, Immaculate offers a compelling addition to the platform's growing horror library. Sydney Sweeney Is A Great Horror Actress Courtesy of Everett Collection One reason Immaculate works so well is that Sydney Sweeney has become one of the more reliable horror performers of her generation. Early in her career, she appeared in the Netflix horror film Along Came the Devil and the supernatural thriller The Ward. She later starred in Nocturne, playing a talented musician drawn into increasingly dark circumstances. Sweeney particularly effective in horror is her willingness to fully commit to emotionally demanding material. She excels at portraying characters who are frightened, isolated, and desperate without ever making them feel passive. Even when her characters are overwhelmed by terrifying situations, they remain active participants in the story. Immaculate is arguably the clearest example of that strength. Much of the story depends on the audience remaining invested in Cecilia's increasingly desperate struggle to understand what is happening around her. Sydney Sweeney carries that responsibility exceptionally well. Release Date March 20, 2024 Runtime 89 minutes Director Michael Mohan Immaculate is a 2024 horror film directed by Michael Mohan and stars Sydney Sweeney. When a devout woman named Cecilia is offered a position at a prestigious convent in Italy, she takes it with little hesitation. However, Cecilia's world is turned upside down when she discovers the terrible secrets hidden within her new place of faith. Writers Andrew Lobel Producers David Bernad, Jonathan Davino, Michael Heimler, Riccardo Neri, Sydney Sweeney, Teddy Schwarzman Main Genre Horror Executive Producer(s) Christopher Casanova, John Friedberg, Will Greenfield Studio(s) Fifty-Fifty Films, Black Bear Distributor(s) Neon