Logline
Feeling guilty after losing her virginity, naive Nora decides to become a nun. A few weeks at the convent and one positive pregnancy test later, she must convince her uber-religious parents, the church, and the world that she’s carrying the Second Coming of Christ.
NORA WALSH
An anxious daydreamer in a family whose only priority above God is appearances. She lives a double life. On the outside she’s the perfect, Catholic daughter but on the inside lies an avid fan-fiction writer with an obsession with elven culture. That is until she loses everything and must pivot to survive her new reality.
THERESA
A ward of the convent since her parents died in a baptism accident, the church is the only home she’s ever known. If told drinking holy water would bring you closer to God, she would guzzle that shit down. Although her love for God is strong, so is her fear.
FATHER TERRY
The priest from Nora’s hometown church. Uses his status to boost his ego and charm his way into getting what he wants. Don’t get in his way or he will rain down hellfire.
MOTHER SUPERIOR
Has a desperate need to prove the worth of the church. Believes that the ends justify the means. What are a few lies if it brings people the word of God? And if it gives her a front page cover too, well, that’s a plus!
SYNOPSIS
Nora Walsh seems to be a good nun-in-training, but she has a secret that’s eating her alive: her one-night-stand with Bible study rival, Julian. Compelled to become a postulant to erase her sin, and accompanied by the ever-present Voice of God reminding her what a terrible person she is, Nora soon discovers that her secret will get out in about 9 months.
When her fellow postulant, hyper-devout Theresa, discovers the positive pregnancy test Nora, in a moment of desperation, claims immaculate conception. Supported by her uber-Catholic parents, their morally questionable priest Father Terry, and the dubious but ambitious Mother Superior, Nora begins a hair-brained grift as “Secondary Mary”.
After finding her “Joseph” and selling out for a Christian Mingle knockoff, a few fake miracles, and a heaping plate of existential crisis, Nora just might be able to make it through, if she can keep her ego in check.
from the director:
“BAD HABITS”, at the end of the day, is a coming-of-age story. And that makes sense as I feel I’ve truly grown up writing it. This film has been my baby for about five years now. It’s evolved and changed so much over that period, as have I. The only thing that hasn’t changed is my dedication to this story.
But, it’s not just about the time spent; the opportunity to take something that people use as a source of fear and turn it into a female-led comedy is not only cathartic for us but for our audience. It’s about breaking out of your mold, despite what those who molded you may think. And why not have some fun doing it? If watching our heroine piss outside a convenience store makes our audience laugh AND feel understood - win, win.
Sincerely,
Amanda Gomez-Rivera
TEAM
