Cabrini

Movie Trailer

Release Date
March 8, 2024

Genre
Biographical Drama

Cast & Crew

• Cristiana Dell’Anna as Francesca Cabrini
• David Morse as Archbishop Corrigan
• Romana Maggiora Vergano as Vittoria
• Federico Ielapi as Paolo
• Virginia Bocelli as Aria
• Rolando Villazón as DiSalvo
• Giancarlo Giannini as Pope Leo XIII
• John Lithgow as Mayor Gould

Director
Alejandro Monteverde

Producer

• Francesca Cabrini
• J. Eustace Wolfington
• Jonathan Sanger
• Leo Severino

Writer
Rod Barr

Budget
$50 million

Production Company

• Francesca Film Production NY
• Lupin Film
• Lodigiano Film Development Inc.

Running Time
142 minutes

Languages
English, Italian

Maturity Rating
PG-13 (for thematic content and some violence)

Content Advisory
The film contains depictions of historical violence, discrimination, and themes related to religious persecution.

Movie Story
Cabrini tells the inspiring and challenging life of Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini, a determined Italian nun who travels to New York in 1889 to support poor Italian immigrants. Faced with intense sexism and anti-Italian bigotry, she struggles to establish an orphanage amidst the dangerous streets of the Five Points area. Cabrini’s relentless efforts lead her to confront the harsh realities of urban poverty, corruption, and prejudice. Despite her deteriorating health, she tirelessly works to build a hospital and provide a safe haven for those in need.

Throughout the film, Cabrini’s faith and resilience are put to the test. She encounters both enemies and allies, including a sympathetic prostitute, Vittoria, who helps her navigate the treacherous world of the city’s underbelly. Cabrini’s confrontation with corrupt officials and the tragic loss of a young boy during a construction accident galvanizes her mission to create a world-class hospital that will serve all immigrants, regardless of their background.

As she fights against systemic injustice, Cabrini also battles personal demons, including a deep-seated fear of failure and the memories of a traumatic childhood event. Her persistence and unwavering belief in her mission gradually win over even her harshest critics, leading to her eventual canonization as the first American saint, the patron saint of immigrants.

In the end, Cabrini is not just a story of religious devotion but a powerful narrative about overcoming societal barriers and fighting for the rights of the marginalized. Cabrini’s legacy, portrayed with depth and emotion by Cristiana Dell’Anna, leaves a lasting impact on the viewer, highlighting the importance of compassion, faith, and resilience in the face of adversity.

Special Effects
The film employs practical effects to recreate the gritty and oppressive atmosphere of 19th-century New York, with an emphasis on authentic set design and costuming to immerse the audience in the period.

Box Office Performance
Cabrini grossed $20.5 million worldwide against a production budget of $50 million, making it a box-office disappointment despite receiving mostly positive reviews.

Filming Locations

• Buffalo, New York
• Niagara Falls, New York
• Rome, Italy

Notable Quotes

• “The world is not large enough for what I want to do.” – Francesca Cabrini
• “An empire of hope can only be built by those who dare to dream beyond the walls of their confinement.”

Behind-the-Scenes
The film’s production involved shooting in both New York and Rome, with meticulous attention to historical detail. Director Alejandro Monteverde aimed to create a vivid portrayal of the challenges faced by immigrants and the religious figures who supported them during this era.

Final Verdict
Cabrini is a moving biographical drama that highlights the remarkable life of Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini. While it struggled at the box office, the film succeeds in portraying a powerful narrative of faith, resilience, and social justice. Cristiana Dell’Anna delivers a compelling performance, making this film a must-watch for those interested in historical dramas.

IMDb Rating
7.4/10