Based on the graphic novel Stigmate, Stigmata is a gritty black & white film that focuses on Bruno: a sad giant of a man struggling with his demons.

When he develops mysterious wounds in his hands that can’t be explained, a doctor recommends psychiatric treatment, but a nun takes in Bruno and soon people begin to believe him a saint and a healer. Soon the pressure becomes too much, and he flees and joins a circus.

Bruno finds friendship and love, and starts to live happily, but trouble finds him again when its discovered a profit can be made from his “healing powers”, and his past catches up with him in a violent act of revenge.

Quietly haunting with beautifully shot dream sequences, Stigmata is a gorgeous story that will leave you thinking about it long after the last shot.

{Stigmata screens at SIFF June 1, 9:30pm at SIFF Cinema and again June 3, 4:30pm at Pacific Place}