What makes “Catholic school” movies so appealing?
Ruby Sarrow ’25
Design Editor
I believe movies set in Catholic schools are some of the most authentic films. They showcase the rigid hierarchies and clean uniforms associated with private schools while presenting viewers with fundamental principles of faith to carry into their lives and apply to the world around them, regardless of their own beliefs.
First off, the diversity this genre of film encompasses speaks for itself, whether the school is located in “the midwest of California” (a reference to Ladybird and Sacramento) or a foreign village in Ireland. The predictable components of the Catholic school education remain, while the school itself is surrounded with the culture and customs of the city it resides in.
Additionally, the coming-of-age aspect adds to the film. These students are encouraged to find their way in the world, and are confronted with the challenges and excitements of adulthood. The Catholic education also pairs the grief and confusion of leaving childhood with holding onto the routine students established at school, where they shared consistent learning experiences and relationships with their peers.
My experience with Catholic school has been brief but impactful. I grew up in a wide variety of school environments. I’ve moved from a bilingual elementary school in Brooklyn, to an easygoing school in Topanga, then a large public school in Calabasas. Somehow, I ended up at Louisville – and although it hasn’t always felt quite like the movies, I have been amused by the stereotypical aspects I’ve encountered in my past years at a Catholic school. Protests of the dress code, stolen glances during Mass, fervent nuns and the concept of Catholic guilt: these movies have it all.
Below are a few personal recommendations of Catholic school films to give you a good laugh (or cry) and something to relate to the specific and privileged experience you’ve been given at Louisville.
“The Trouble with Angels” (1966) is an older film, but regardless, very entertaining. It follows two students who quickly become friends once sent to an all-girls boarding school run by a particularly strict nun. Together, the pair of girls get into all sorts of trouble, behaving poorly and pranking the other students and innocent nuns. The end of the movie proves how teenagers, upon maturing, uncover newfound meaning (in this case, religious discovery) in the lives of themselves and others.
“Ladybird” (2017) is a cult favorite. The film is about high school senior Christine’s struggles at school and with her plans for the future. It is centered around her roller-coaster of a relationship with her mother, and their separate concerns and clashing temperaments. It is about rebellion, conflict, loss, and most importantly, forgiveness. And the movie wouldn’t be on the list if it didn’t include a full-circle aspect of religion: to spoil the end (Don’t worry, I won’t ruin the movie), Christine, after being hospitalized at college, has a moving reflection in church. The final scene shows her calling her mother, and leaving a message of gratitude and understanding.
Last but certainly not least, I wanted to mention one of my favorite series, “Derry Girls” (2018). Although it’s not a movie, I get so excited about a reliable, feel-good show and “Derry Girls” is just that. The show is a British sitcom set in Northern Ireland. The plot is about five teenagers who attend an all-girls Catholic school in their local town. These friends deal with the shallow struggles of adolescence as well as the political and cultural conflicts of Ireland during the mid-90s. It includes aspects of religion through the societal beliefs in the town, classic roles of nuns and comedic scenes during religious ceremonies.
Maybe you’re familiar with this type of film, and maybe you don’t see the appeal at all. But I have found a lot of joy in movies with theological aspects, and have learnt a little more about our world and faith through them as well. If you have the chance, or some spare time throughout the weekend, give my suggestions a try!