IMDb 8.2 2018 HD

St Bernie

St Bernie

2018
15 min NR USA
8.2 IMDB

Fourteen-year-old Bernie must convince her religious mother that her repeated attempts to explore her body are natural, not depraved.

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Janine Kaiser / Elise Tyson
Starring
Lara Robinson / Kirsty Hillhouse / Nisha Joseph / Judith Chaplin / Carolyn Davies / Cameron Grant / Wade Nixon

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

thought-provoking sensitive challenging intimate earnest religious conflict adolescent exploration nuanced compelling vulnerable reflective

Reviews

G
Genevieve Moreau
Apr 10, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

In 'St Bernie', we find a quiet but impactful drama about the intersection of faith and burgeoning identity. Lara Robinson's portrayal of Bernie is the film's beating heart; she navigates the complexities of adolescent exploration with a compelling…

A
Arthur Finch
Apr 10, 2026
2.5 / 5
2.5

While 'St Bernie' attempts to address significant themes of adolescent selfhood and religious conservatism, its execution feels somewhat uneven. Lara Robinson does her best with the material, portraying Bernie's internal world with a degree of sincerity. However, the…

P
Penelope Davies
Apr 10, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

This is a brave and tender film. 'St Bernie' tackles a subject many might shy away from, focusing on a young girl's natural exploration of her body and her mother's deeply held religious objections. Lara Robinson delivers a…

M
Marcus Bellweather
Apr 10, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

'St Bernie' presents a potent, if somewhat narrowly focused, exploration of adolescent awakening clashing with rigid religious dogma. Lara Robinson is commendable as the young protagonist, embodying a natural inquisitiveness that feels authentic. The tone, while earnest, occasionally…

E
Eleanor Vance
Apr 10, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

Lara Robinson anchors 'St Bernie' with a performance that captures the raw, unvarnished curiosity of adolescence. The film navigates the delicate terrain of a teenager's self discovery and the often-conflicting doctrines of faith and biology. While the direction…

FAQs

The title 'St Bernie' is an intriguing juxtaposition, potentially hinting at a satirical or ironic approach to the film's themes. 'Saint' often implies purity and an elevated moral status, which contrasts sharply with a young girl exploring her body and facing her mother's judgment. This title suggests the film might be exploring the idea of sainthood in an unconventional context, perhaps even a secular one, or commenting on how societal and religious pressures can create flawed perceptions of innocence.