NOVITIATE

The drama starring Margaret Qualley, Melissa Leo, and Julianne Nicholson opens in select cities Friday.

Margaret Qualley plays a ‘60s teen who decides to become a nun, just as the Catholic Church is making dramatic changes itself.

Maggie Betts’ feature debut, a coming-of-age drama, starring Margaret Qualley, Melissa Leo, and Julianne Nicholson, received a lot of buzz out of Sundance and will play at TIFF before its October 27 release date.

There was no shortage of amazing films at this year’s Sundance, making the discovery of breakout actors, filmmakers, and writers exciting. Here are 17 names — some familiar faces, others new — that made a considerable impression with their films at this year’s fest.

Stocked with captivating performances, Maggie Betts’ feature film debut is a merciless, yet beautifully composed story that is, contrary to the title, less about religion and more about the meaning of love and coming-of-age.

While awards season is underway and moving towards next year’s Academy Awards, the Sundance Film Festival has their eyes the next set of critical darlings as they announced their competition lineup.

Coming-of-age feature, Novitiate, has filled out its female-driven cast with an additional trio of actresses. Melissa Leo, Dianna Agron, and Margaret Qualley are set to star in the film from writer-director Margaret Betts.