Novitiate (2017)

Melissa Leo: Reverend Mother

Photos 

Quotes 

• Reverend Mother : I can feel you, right next to me, for so long. With me all that time, my darling husband. And now you've abandoned me! And you hoped that I would lose faith in you? You imagined that I would just walk out those gates? I cannot. I made a commitment forty years ago. And even if you choose to turn your light from me forever... I am yours. Oh, my darling husband.

• Reverend Mother : Any questions?

  [One girl raises hand] 

  Reverend Mother : Put your hand down, sister. Postulants don't have questions and you are free to go home.

• Reverend Mother : The memos sent over from your office used the word "suggestion" in regards to all these changes we're suddenly...

  Archbishop McCarthy : [laughs]  Well, that's amusing. I think you're the only one to miss the subtext there. You see, for most of us, the word "suggestion" is understood as synonymous with "obligation".

  Reverend Mother : Perhaps I'm not all that attuned to subtext.

  [Puts her right fist to her chest and bows] 

  Reverend Mother : My apologies.

• Reverend Mother : I do understand how difficult it can be for a parent to give their child to God.

  Nora Harris : And that's because you have children of your own?

  Reverend Mother : No, I don't. But neither do you anymore.