Rewritten: The Story of Maria Goretti portrays the saint with a modern-day twist

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St. Maria Goretti (1890-1902) died just two years into the 20th century, and her short life in this world stands as one of the most profound stories of forgiveness in the history of the Church. Her powerful story was chosen for the first in a series of short films by Catholic entrepreneur Dr. Ira DeWitt entitled Rewritten, which portrays the lives of the saints in a modern context.

Alex (Jason Konopisos-Alvarez) is a rehabilitation coach visiting a prison to help prepare the inmates for the outside world. These men are initially angsty and dismissive, believing he’s just another shrink hoping to pad his college thesis without having any real knowledge of their experience. They have no idea what he has in store. Unfazed by their criticism, he begins to tell his story, which unfolds as a contemporary version of Alessandro Serenelli, the murderer of St. Maria Goretti.

It turns out he is a more horrendous man than any of them, but was able to convert due to the profound forgiveness of his victim. He now spends his life helping others achieve this redemption.

Cinematically, Rewritten is a throwback to the short student films I made with my college friends twenty years ago. It contains unknown actors, simple sets, a basic plot, and a nice twist at the end. For those of an older Catholic generation, it also reminded me of the Paulist program Insight, which adapted Bible stories and moral lessons through edgy one-act plays, like Mere Christianity meets The Twilight Zone.

It is competent, but not stellar, and the budget restrictions stand out. The sound is often uneven, and the tattoos on the prisoners look fake. There’s also a significant plot line about hot coffee as a metaphor that does not pan out.

After the fictional segment, there’s a short slideshow on the historical Maria Goretti and Alessandro Serenelli, including real pictures, which is more compelling.

Although she died well over a century ago, Maria Goretti is a lightning rod for our times. The 20th century witnessed an explosion of sexual sin and violence on a staggering scale, the same evils Alessandro inflicted on Maria. Yet, it also saw a tidal wave of grace and heroic sacrifice—Our Lady of Fatima, Divine Mercy, the myriad of saints—exemplified by Maria’s remarkable actions.

When Satan does his worst, God sends his best. Any of the benefits that Catholics enjoy today have only come through the prayers and witness of these holy men and women who endured this period. It remains to be seen how the 21st century will unfold, but regardless of the historical age, Maria’s endurance and forgiveness will always stand as an example.

Unfortunately, the radical nature of her story has not always been well-received. Her preference for death over sexual violation has made Maria a pariah in some feminist circles, who claim she glorifies patriarchal attitudes of “sexual terrorism.” Others take issue with the quickness she forgave her attacker, wishing to see him in Heaven with her.

The first misses the entire point of our existence, which is to serve God in this life as a hope for the next. The saints understand that Heaven is our true home, and we should shun that which would keep us from it. Maria understood this not just for herself but for Alessandro as well. He did not go without punishment, spending decades in prison and having a radical conversion.

After being released, he became a gardener for a convent, spending the rest of his life in quiet prayer and service, even attending Maria’s canonization. This is why St. Paul says that Christ looks “foolish” to the world because he forgives his enemies and loves his persecutors. Yet, it is the only way the world can be made right, for we are all sinners.

Although The Story of Maria Goretti has its bumps, it is a good first entry, and I am excited to see how the Rewritten series progresses. These stories are a crucial antidote to the divisive nature of our times. Alex and Alessandro are proof that anyone can be saved, and that includes you and me.

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