What Is The Reluctant Saint About?
The premise of The Reluctant Saint in 319 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the sun‑baked valleys of 1623 Italy, the world is a tapestry of devotion and daily toil, where the rhythm of monastic bells competes with the clatter of village life. The film paints this era with a reverent, almost lyrical tone, letting the cobblestones and cloistered courtyards speak as much as the characters. Light filters through ancient stone, and a gentle quiet settles over the bustling market towns, hinting at something larger stirring beneath ordinary existence.
At the heart of the story is Joseph of Cupertino, a slow‑witted but sincere laborer whose humble beginnings are marked by both ridicule and unwavering kindness. Raised by a protective mother who extends his schooling far beyond the village norm, his path seems destined for simplicity—until the quiet urging of his uncle draws him toward a different future. The pull of the Franciscan order offers a sanctuary where his pure heart can find purpose, even as his mind lags behind the rigorous expectations of scholarly life.
Within the austere walls of the friary, Father Giovanni serves as the guiding hand that introduces Joseph to a community bound by ritual and prayer. There, he encounters figures such as Bishop Durso, whose humble origins awaken a quiet belief in hidden potential, and Brother Orlando, the patient tutor tasked with grooming him for priesthood. The senior friar Father Raspi watches the newcomer with skeptical eyes, while the enigmatic presence of The Gobbo adds a touch of earthy humor to the cloistered world. Their interactions create a gentle tension between tradition and the extraordinary spark that seems to follow Joseph.
The atmosphere is one of quiet wonder, where devotion intertwines with the faint whisper of miracles. As Joseph navigates the delicate balance between his clumsy humanity and the stirring of something inexplicably divine, the film invites the audience to linger in the spaces between faith and mystery, leaving the promise of awe hanging gently in the air.
What Happens in The Reluctant Saint?
The complete story of The Reluctant Saint, from the first scene to the last, in 383 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 5 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Most of the key events in the movie are based on historical events or reports about the life of Saint Joseph of Cupertino. Born Giuseppe Desa, Maximilian Schell is depicted as remarkably slow-witted, yet witness accounts throughout his life describe him as capable of miraculous experiences that include levitation and intense ecstasies.
The narrative follows Giuseppe in his final days at home with his mother, Lea Padovani. She has kept him in school longer than others because of his slow mind, and he endures ridicule from his fellow villagers while struggling at work. His mother’s concern and a desire for a meaningful path push him toward a religious life, and through the influence of his uncle, Father Giovanni, Harold Goldblatt, an authority in the Franciscan order, Giuseppe is drawn into a friary.
Life at the friary brings its own challenges, as Giuseppe’s slow pace creates friction with the routines of monastic life. Yet his good heart begins to stand out, catching the eye of a visiting Bishop Durso, Akim Tamiroff, a man of humble origins who sees potential in him and urges the friars to prepare Giuseppe for the priesthood.
Despite significant difficulties in mastering academics and a preference for tending sheep and other animals in the friary’s stable, Giuseppe is ordained a priest. He learns little from tutors like Brother Orlando, [Giulio Bosetti], yet he somehow passes the priestly examinations through a sequence of unlikely, perhaps miraculous events that feel more fate than schooling.
Soon after, Giuseppe is seen levitating in ecstatic prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary and during the conventual Mass. This extraordinary display provokes concern among the friars, and one senior, Father Raspi, [Ricardo Montalbán], accuses him of demonic possession. In response, Giuseppe is chained to the ground and subjected to an exorcism, but his levitations persist, convincing many — including Raspi — of the divine origin of his powers.
The story is brought to life by a broad cast of characters among the friary and the people around it, including The Gobbo, the Hunchback, played by Carlo Croccolo. Through patience, humility, and the mystery of what some deem miraculous, the film portrays Giuseppe Desa’s journey as a life shaped by faith and wonder, offering a nuanced look at the life and legacy attributed to Saint Joseph of Cupertino.
The Reluctant Saint Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
12 key events in the order they happen, from “Birth and childhood in a village” to “Final perception: miracles recognized”. 12 events name a place, across 6 locations.
- 1
Birth and childhood in a village
Giuseppe Desa is born in a rural village and is known for his slow wits from an early age. His mother keeps him in school longer than typical, and townspeople mock him as odd. He spends his childhood bearing ridicule while quietly trying to work the land and earn a living with a good heart.
When:childhood Where:rural village
- 2
Entrance into the Franciscan friary
Influenced by his uncle, Father Giovanni, an authority within the Franciscan order, Giuseppe enters the Franciscan friary. His slow mind makes study difficult and trouble follows him there, but the family connection helps him gain admission. The friars cautiously consider his suitability while he begins a new life among the brothers.
When:early adulthood Where:Franciscan friary
- 3
Bishop Durso endorses priestly training
During his time at the friary, visiting Bishop Durso, a man of peasant background, is moved by Giuseppe’s good heart and orders the friars to train him for the priesthood. This intervention gives Giuseppe a chance at ordination despite his limitations. The decision reshapes his path within the religious community.
When:priestly training Where:friary
- 4
Ordination despite limited academics
Even with little progress in formal study, Giuseppe is ordained a priest. He passes examinations through a series of unlikely or possibly miraculous events, rather than through conventional learning. His ordination marks a turning point from novice to shepherd within the order.
When:ordination Where:friary chapel
- 5
First levitations during ecstatic prayer
Shortly after his ordination, Giuseppe is seen levitating during ecstatic prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The phenomenon astonishes the friars and convinces some observers that his gifts are spiritually extraordinary. The episodes connect his holiness to the quiet life inside the friary chapel.
When:post-ordination Where:friary chapel
- 6
Another levitation during Mass
Giuseppe experiences levitation again, this time during the conventual Mass, attracting the attention of the entire community. The spectacle heightens faith in his divine assistance while also troubling those who fear demonic influence. The event cements the perception of his powers as sacred rather than mere trickery.
When:during Mass Where:convent chapel
- 7
Raspi accuses possession
One of the friars, Father Raspi, publicly accuses Giuseppe of demonic possession after witnessing the miraculous levitations. The accusation challenges the perception of his holiness and creates tension within the friary. Giuseppe becomes the subject of scrutiny as the community debates the source of his powers.
When:after levitation events Where:friary
- 8
Chaining to the ground
To prevent further writhing and to control the situation, Giuseppe is chained to the ground by his fellow friars. The measure is harsh and shows the fear that his powers could cause harm or scandal. The act underscores the conflict between discipline and belief within the order.
When:post-accusation Where:friary
- 9
Exorcism is performed
The friars order an exorcism to address what is perceived as possession. The ritual attempts to suppress the levitations, but Giuseppe’s experiences persist. The tense confrontation pits faith against fear as the church machinery weighs in on his case.
When:during exorcism Where:friary chapel
- 10
Levitation continues, defying exorcism
Despite the exorcism, Giuseppe’s levitations continue, convincing the community of the divine origin of his powers. The persistence of the marvel reshapes how others view him, moving from suspicion to reverence. His gifts are increasingly interpreted as a sign of sanctity rather than abnormality.
When:after exorcism Where:friary
- 11
Changing attitudes among the friars
Observing the ongoing miracles, even previously skeptical friars like Raspi begin to acknowledge the sacred nature of Giuseppe’s abilities. The atmosphere in the friary shifts from doubt to acceptance and wonder. The community starts to rally around him as a source of spiritual inspiration.
When:post-events Where:friary
- 12
Final perception: miracles recognized
The levitations become a widely recognized sign of Giuseppe’s sanctity, and the authorities and villagers alike are persuaded of his divine origins. The story closes with the sense that his miraculous gifts define his life and vocation. He remains a figure of devotion whose levitations are interpreted as miracles.
When:end Where:friary and village
Who Are the Main Characters in The Reluctant Saint?
6 characters, among them Giuseppe Desa (Maximilian Schell), Father Giovanni (Harold Goldblatt) and Bishop Durso (Akim Tamiroff): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Giuseppe Desa (Maximilian Schell)
Played by Maximilian Schell
Giuseppe is a gentle, patient man who is slow to learn yet quick to kindness. He endures ridicule from villagers with good humor and a steadfast heart. His simple devotion and unexpected levitations galvanize both belief and doubt among the friars; ultimately his vocation as a priest is affirmed by the community.
- 🕊️ Humble
- ✨ Miraculous
- 🧭 Priest-in-training
- FG
Father Giovanni (Harold Goldblatt)
Played by Harold Goldblatt
A friar who holds authority in the Franciscan order and facilitates Giuseppe's entrance to the friary. He is patient with Giuseppe, recognizing his good heart despite slow wits. He contributes to the unfolding of Giuseppe's priestly path by supporting him and guiding him.
- 🎯 Mentor
- 🕊️ Compassion
- 🏛️ Religious life
-
Bishop Durso (Akim Tamiroff)
Played by Akim Tamiroff
A peasant-born bishop who sees potential in Giuseppe and orders the friars to train him for priesthood. He embodies ecclesiastical authority and a belief in unlikely sanctity. His judgment helps steer Giuseppe toward ordination, balancing skepticism with faith.
- 👑 Authority
- 🕊️ Hope
- 🏛️ Church leadership
- DR
Don Raspi (Ricardo Montalbán)
Played by Ricardo Montalban
A superior who initially accuses Giuseppe of demonic possession, setting off an exorcism. His stance embodies institutional doubt but gradually shifts as the miracles persist. His arc reflects the tension between skepticism and belief within church hierarchy.
- ⚖️ Skeptic
- 🕯️ Exorcist
- 🏛️ Authority
- GM
Giuseppe's Mother (Lea Padovani)
Played by Lea Padovani
A protective, practical mother who keeps him in school and pushes him toward a stable life. She shows maternal care even as social ridicule tests her and her son. Her influence helps shape Giuseppe's path toward his vocation.
- ❤️ Maternal
- 🛡️ Protective
- 🏡 Family
- BO
Brother Orlando (Giulio Bosetti)
Played by Giulio Bosetti
A friar who helps tutor Giuseppe and offers patient guidance as the community navigates his unusual gifts. He embodies the ordinary piety of the order and supports Giuseppe's slow but steady progress.
- 👨🏫 Tutor
- 🕊️ Compassion
- 🏛️ Monastic life
Where and When Is The Reluctant Saint Set?
The Reluctant Saint is set in Italy, rural village and Franciscan friary. Here is why the place matters to the story.
Where
Italy, rural village and Franciscan friary
Set primarily in a small Italian village and its Franciscan friary, the film follows Giuseppe’s life within these sacred environs. The friary’s quiet courtyards, stables, and stone walls frame his levitations and ecstasies. The place doubles as a community stage where faith, authority, and daily life collide.
- 🏛️ Italian setting
- ⛪ Religious life
- 🌄 Rural landscape
What Are the Themes of The Reluctant Saint?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Miracles, Faith and Community.
-
01
Miracles
Giuseppe’s levitations and ecstatic prayers are depicted as genuine miracles that shake the conventional understanding of religion. The events are interpreted by some as divine signs and by others as anomalies that test faith and authority. The film uses these moments to examine the tension between devotion and fear of the unknown. Through miracles, the story questions what counts as proof of sanctity within a community.
-
02
Faith
Faith is shown as a quiet, enduring force within Giuseppe, guiding him despite his mental limits. His humble service tending animals and his stubborn piety reveal a form of devotion that transcends academic ability. The path to priesthood is earned not by intellect but by persistence and trust in something greater. The film portrays faith as something lived in everyday acts as much as in miraculous moments.
-
03
Community
The village and friary become actors in a drama of doubt, tradition, and mercy as they respond to Giuseppe’s gifts. Church authorities move between skepticism, defense of the order, and eventual belief, shaping his destiny. The exorcism attempt pits fear against grace, exposing the community’s capacity for both cruelty and compassion. Ultimately, the narrative presents community as a crucible where holiness is tested and affirmed.
What Kind of Film Is The Reluctant Saint?
Hopeful in tone, with slow pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Hopeful
- Pacing
- Slow
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
A gentle and uplifting historical drama that follows a simple-minded man's miraculous journey of faith, creating a hopeful and devotional atmosphere amid moments of quiet struggle.
- uplifting
- miraculous
- gently-paced
- devotional
- whimsical
- earnest
- religious faith
- miracles
- coming of age
- historical biopic
Content notes: religious persecution, exorcism.
Quiz
How well do you remember The Reluctant Saint? Test yourself on the story.
