Paradise: Faith

As a vision of exploitation, it's almost insultingly simple, but Seidl deepens it with a story that respects the human neediness of his heroine.

Scenes are dramatic without a hint of melodrama, so when a flash of intensity does occur, it does so out of nowhere and registers even more powerfully.

Now, here's the trilogy's second installment, in which the jolly Austrian makes it clear that women of a certain age do not have his permission to overdo it with religion, either.

Given Seidl's reputation for depicting an unflattering side of humanity, one should expect that any new film by him would be an uncomfortable ride. But with Faith, Seidl seems to be pushing the envelope a little further...