Bella Thorne's New Thriller 'Saint Clare' Set To Premiere at The Taormina Film Festival!

The Taormina Film Festival has hosted a collection of notable film premieres -- within the last year, debuting Indiana Jones and The Dial of Destiny and Amber Heard’s newest film In The Fire. This year, Taormina will showcase actress, director, and Disney sweetheart Bella Thorne’s newest movie Saint Clare. 

The actress, who has taken the last few years trying on a variety of different hats in the filmmaking world, steps into the titular character role for this thrill of a film. But Thorne isn’t the only familiar face in the movie. The film brings together a cast of early 2000s childhood favorites. Alongside Bella Thorne ("Shake It Up"), Saint Clare features Bart Johnson (High School Musical), Ryan Phillippe (Cruel Intentions), and Todd Bridges ("Everybody Hates Chris")  and brings them to a murderous quiet town.

Based on the Don Roff book Clare At Sixteen, Saint Clare centers Clare Bleecker, a violent woman who sets out to kill all those in her isolated town that dare to act on their bad intentions. When one of her kills causes a downward spiral, Clare uncovers deep-rooted corruption and trafficking in her own backyard. Bart Johnson shared a glimpse into the gritty movie back in 2022, when filming began, with some bloody instagram posts from the set. 

Saint Clare situates itself in an interesting world of the "gray" by posing a morally gray character at the heart of its story -- a woman who wants to do good by doing something bad -- and telling it through actors who are in a compelling place of transition. Known for their roles from our childhood, and moving into the more adult genre of thriller and horror, these actors create an interesting dynamic between the themes and style of the movie. It lures the audience in with a beloved set of actors then jumps at the opportunity to shock you with scenes to thrill and moments of the supernatural. 

Director Mitzi Peirone shared more on the film’s themes in a recent statement, saying Saint Clare, “delves into spiritual beauty, female sainthood, and fate.” Peirone is also one of the co-writers of the script, joined by author Don Roff and American Psycho screenwriter Guinevere Turner. 

Stay tuned for more!