Devout is a folk horror set in a 17th-century convent, following two nuns who develop a dangerous and obsessive relationship, which invites in an evil that will seek to destroy them.

This film is written and produced by Lauren Dean, inspired by the story of Benedetta Carlini and her lover, Bartolomea Crivelli, as well as her own queer relationship as a teenager. 

It is directed by BAFTA long-listed director, Nicole Pott, which will mark her second folk horror, and 12th short film. 

SYNOPSIS

Set in 1613, Devout is a folk horror following two catholic nuns, Katherine and Susanna, and their obsessive relationship which invites in an evil that will devastate their convent.

Following a series of otherworldly experiences, Katherine believes she is a saint and plays into the theatrics of her newfound holiness.

As the entity poisons Katherine's mind, she begins to lose her grip on her newfound status as a living saint; blending reality into divine mysticism and false prophecy. Katherine, who once stood to gain everything, now may lose it all. 

THE INSPIRATION

We were drawn to tell this story because we often feel that there is only one version of the queer coming of age experience represented on screen, and that is not our stories.

This subject is especially close to us, as we both grew up in small communities rife with homophobia.

As a writer, Lauren took inspiration from hiding her first relationship with a woman where the fear and internalised homophobia turned them against each other. Their dynamic was "constantly shifting between being each other's greatest source of comfort and each other's greatest source of shame and pain. Ours was not a typical first love. There was always an ancient heaviness surrounding us as young queer women, a weight that neither of us fully understood at the time."

From this experience, Lauren has written the manifestation of 'God' as something darker and more pervasive which will corrupt Katherine and Susanna's relationship, turning them into versions of themselves they can no longer recognise.

This evil is an insidious form of internalised homophobia that seeps into every aspect of the girls' lives, ultimately threatening to rupture both their relationship and community from the inside out.

THE CAST

THE CREATURE

We wanted to create an ethereal creature that embodied the hatred, jealousy, and internalised homophobia experienced by both Katherine and Susanna throughout the narrative.

Working closely with Katie Fletcher, we developed the creature's design using the Crown of Thorns as a key source of inspiration. The muslin covering its eyes symbolises that which remains hidden from us - unseen truths, suppressed emotions, and the aspects of ourselves we struggle to confront.

BEHIND THE CAMERA

NICOLE POTT - BAFTA LONG-LISTED DIRECTOR

I’m Nicole Pott, a neurodivergent film and television director drawn to bold, distinct storytelling. My work has been recognised internationally: my short film WanderLand was longlisted for the 2023 BAFTA Film Awards in the Short Film category and I’m currently developing it into my debut feature, Like Mother, with Mordecai Films, led by BIFA Springboard producer Margot Douglas.

I studied BA (Hons) Digital Film Production and Screenwriting at The University of Worcester, and an MA in Screen Production at Met Film School. My subsequent work in production management of broadcast documentaries (including Janet Jackson (A&E/Lifetime) and Uncharted Adventure (The Weather Channel) has given me a clear understanding of how to deliver ambitious creative content within tight budgets and schedules.

I am now actively looking to move into directing HETV drama series. My work sits within bold, character-led spaces, with a sensibility that can speak to both adult and younger audiences without being defined by either.

Through the DirectorsUK Inspire Scheme (2024–2025), I was mentored by the director, Jim Loach and shadowed him on Sky Drama’s Lockerbie: A Search for Truth. I am currently being mentored by Annie Harrison Baxter, the BAFTA winning HETV & film producer, in addition to the HETV director, Paul Norton Walker (Riviera, The Ex-Wife), with a specific focus on TV drama series/episodic directing.

LAUREN DEAN - WRITER/PRODUCER

Lauren Dean is a queer Scottish writer and producer. Having completed her undergraduate degree at the University of St Andrew's in English Literature and Film Theory, she has made the move to Manchester where she is undertaking her master's at MetFilm School.

Specialising in producing, she is currently being mentored by Clapperboard's Executive Producer Andy Morgan. 

Devout is the first short film Lauren has written; it is a personal passion project taking inspiration from her early relationships struggling with internalised homophobia and the ways in which it can shape us. 

Lauren believes in championing queer and women-led stories in the genre space, particularly in their uncomfortable, feral and ugly dimensions. Lauren strives to create space for fantastic, free and liberated performances which allow queer people and women to stretch into uncharted, or gatekept, emotions. Pushing the boundaries of 'digestible' or 'commercial' queerness, she utilises the hyperbolic, stylised genre space to showcase a greater range of real queer experience.

BILLIE SHARPLING - DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Billie is a Non-Binary filmmaker from Hertfordshire who went into the creative industries to be a part of uplifting stories with a socially relevant or underrepresented topics. Always trying to elevate the production value of each project they have worked on, Devout is an opportunity for Billie to bring their high standards to match the expectations and vision of this ambitious student film. Collaborating on the visuals has been a highly rewarding process so far and they are excited to get on the shoot and bring this queer horror story to life.

THE RISKS

Our greatest challenge is securing the funding needed to achieve the level of production value this project deserves. Set in the 17th century, the film requires careful attention to period detail, and we are committed to ensuring that every pound raised is used efficiently and purposefully to create the strongest production possible.

Despite these financial challenges, the team behind the project is deeply passionate about bringing this story to life. The production will be filmed over four days across four distinct locations: two days in a church, one day on a purpose-built set, and one exterior shoot day. Each location plays a vital role in the narrative and visual language of the film, making every element of the schedule essential to the project's success.

THE BUDGET

We are seeking an additional £2,000 to complete our production budget and ensure the film can be realised to its full potential. These funds will contribute towards key costs including production design, costume, travel expenses, equipment fees, and festival submissions.

We have already secured £2,500 in funding, demonstrating strong support for the project. This additional funding will allow us to fully deliver the film and support its journey beyond production.

Thank you for supporting us!