This is video takes a close look at the nunsploitation work of Italian trash-cinema legend Bruno Mattei. Filmed at the same time, with the same cast, and the same set, these two movies provide a useful contrast when it comes to the variations on nunsploitation. Both are atmospheric and provocative in their own way; one offers psychologically complex and cerebral sexploitation; the other is a full-on unhinged Italian horror. Viewing them together also provides an amusing window into the sausage-making of Italian exploitation film.

My previous video on nunsploitation provided an overview of four films that I thought represented the best of the genre. I still think that the geographic and chronological structure of that video provides a thorough picture. But since making that video, I realized that Mattei’s True Story absolutely needs to be part of that category. Other than The Devils, this one has become for me the epitome of the genre.

I don’t think that’s necessarily a common take. If you have a chance to watch this one, I’d like to know what you think.

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