Rebel Hearts

Play trailer

2:01

Rebel Hearts

2021

1h 43m

Documentary

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

89%

Tomatometer

35 Reviews

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

In 1960s Los Angeles a trailblazing group of nuns, The Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, bravely stood up to the patriarchy of the Catholic Church, fighting for equality, their livelihoods, and their own freedom against an all-powerful Cardinal who sought to keep them in their place. Their bold acts of faith, defiance and activism turned the Church upside down, helping to reshape our society in ways that continue to resonate today. From marching in Selma in 1965 to the Women's March in 2018, they challenged the notion of what a nun and a woman were supposed to be. These unlikely resistance fighters, including Anita Caspary, Helen Kelley, Pat Reif and iconic pop artist Corita Kent, were devoted to a life of service, not only to others but to themselves -- forming a community that empowered each sister to live up to her fullest potential. Their desire to bring the church into modern life was met with forceful opposition at every turn. As each of them discovered their own talents and voices, they fully stepped into their roles as leaders in a movement that is still making waves.

Watch on HBO Max

Stream Now

Critics Consensus

A fascinating documentary with unique visual flair, Rebel Hearts offers stirring tribute to largely unheralded leaders in the fight against religious patriarchy.

Read Critics Reviews

Amy Nicholson

FilmWeek (LAist)

Jun 25, 2021

It's just a fantastic story that's really well researched... It has so much style and fun.

Go to Full Review

Christy Lemire

FilmWeek (LAist)

Jun 25, 2021

It's thrilling to watch them coming into their own.

Go to Full Review

Thelma Adams

AARP Movies for Grownups

Jun 25, 2021

5/5

Both inspiring and revelatory, sharing the life wisdom of its well-educated subjects and a danceable soundtrack curated by music supervisor Tracy McKnight, Rebel Hearts is a blessed and joyful movie.

Go to Full Review

Cody Dericks

Next Best Picture

Jul 7, 2022

7/10

Consistently astounding in its honesty and its ability to surprise its audience over and over again, "Rebel Hearts" is a delightful and ultimately touching look at some of history's most unlikely progressive fighters.

Go to Full Review

Josie Meléndez

Shuffle Online

Mar 7, 2022

B+

"Rebel Hearts" was surprisingly wholesome, delightful, and cheeky, showing another side of women that devote their lives to religion.

Go to Full Review

Zosha Millman

Thirty, Flirty + Film

Feb 3, 2022

In between all the scattered gathering of information and clippings, Rebel Hearts loses the heart of its story: the women themselves.

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

RJ L

@RJ1117 Feb 5, 2026

Amazing documentary it drew me in right away and the history is amazing to learn about and how this nuns wanted to keep up with the times.

See more

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

POST RATING

Pedro Kos

Director

Pedro Kos

Writer

Kira Carstensen

Producer

Judy Korin

Producer

Shawnee Isaac Smith

Producer

Adrienne Becker

Executive Producer

Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer

100%

%

Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer

Watchlist

Procession

98%

82%

Procession

Watchlist

Overseas

100%

%

Overseas

Watchlist

Luchadoras

94%

%

Luchadoras

Watchlist

The Dark Hobby

100%

%

The Dark Hobby

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

Rebel Hearts: Trailer 1

2:01

Now Playing

View more videos

View more photos

Synopsis

In 1960s Los Angeles a trailblazing group of nuns, The Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, bravely stood up to the patriarchy of the Catholic Church, fighting for equality, their livelihoods, and their own freedom against an all-powerful Cardinal who sought to keep them in their place. Their bold acts of faith, defiance and activism turned the Church upside down, helping to reshape our society in ways that continue to resonate today. From marching in Selma in 1965 to the Women's March in 2018, they challenged the notion of what a nun and a woman were supposed to be. These unlikely resistance fighters, including Anita Caspary, Helen Kelley, Pat Reif and iconic pop artist Corita Kent, were devoted to a life of service, not only to others but to themselves -- forming a community that empowered each sister to live up to her fullest potential. Their desire to bring the church into modern life was met with forceful opposition at every turn. As each of them discovered their own talents and voices, they fully stepped into their roles as leaders in a movement that is still making waves.

Director: Pedro Kos
Producer: Kira Carstensen, Judy Korin, Shawnee Isaac Smith
Screenwriter: Pedro Kos
Production Co: Merman, Anchor Entertainment
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 25, 2021, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 27, 2021
Runtime: 1h 43m

Join The Newsletter

Join The Newsletter

Cookie Settings