The story of St. Bernadette and Lourdes is coming to movie theaters this weekend in a wholly different and especially moving way as Bernadette of Lourdes, the Musical.

In Italy this musical was named official show of the Year of Jubilee 2025. In the United States, it debuted at the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis in 2024. Before that, as a stage play, it was performed and filmed live at Lourdes, France. More than 400,000 people saw the original on-stage show. The bonus is that this year also celebrates the 100th anniversary of St. Bernadette’s beatification that took place in 1925, one month before St. Therese of Lisieux’s canonization.

Simply, Bernadette of Lourdes, the Musical is a phenomenal film telling the story of Bernadette of Soubirous in a way that will surely move audiences, at times even to tears. Music has the power to touch hearts, and this becomes quite apparent, especially when telling a heartfelt story performed by actresses and actors who have what appears to be a “partnership” with their characters.

In this case, the heartfelt meanings and messages of the music and lyrics cannot be missed even though the film is in French with subtitles The subtitles are easy to see and do not distract.

A Saint’s Perspective

The script closely follows official records compiled during the investigations by both the government and Church authorities questioning Bernadette and trying to rattle her to get her to deny the visions. The focus is on Bernadette and how she handles being questioned, disbelieved and ridiculed. The scenes bring to light how a simple young child, as she is, handles every situation bravely, honestly, and at times even with humor. The more heart-wrenching times come with her family’s disbelief.

During the questioning, Bernadette begins recollecting the visions but not fully with her interrogator. She has the story’s first song, as it should be, and it is a very heart-stirring one about love. Eyma, the young singer-actress well-known in France, makes it extremely moving in the way she sings from the heart. The music underlining Bernadette’s first vision is absolutely stirring.

When the scene moves to the grotto, viewers don't see the Blessed Mother, but from the radiance and the light, we know Bernadette is seeing something beyond the ordinary.

Eyma originated the role some years ago and is now in her early twenties, yet still has the looks of a young teenager. Directors would be hard-pressed to find a better actress for Bernadette. She flawlessly projects Bernadette’s youth and great innocence, from her responses to questions fired at her and being bullied, to her simplicity and straightforwardness, to the resignation when her family disbelieves and orders her to stop. Of course, there is no question about her simple determination to follow what the “Lady” asks.

When Bernadette’s parents confront her about how the family is suffering and are ostracized because of her visions, the parents sing a duet about their child and the family in a way most convincing of their concern. In this duet, Bernadette’s mother echoes every line her father sings. With its lyric repetitions, the song becomes quite moving about their plight and how “You only have love left because you've given everything.”

With no response to her, Bernadette is left alone, and that leads to a beautiful and stirring song, Why Me, knowing she cannot disobey the Lady when everybody wants her not to return to the grotto.

The scenes between the parish priest and Bernadette have drama and humor. Well-known French actor-singer Christophe Héraut begins as an exasperated clergyman who wants to know the name of the woman Bernadette sees. He and the town all ask in song, “We want a name. Give us a name, a witness, so we can understand.”

The same emotional heights in music come the moment the pastor hears Bernadette tell him the name of the Lady she is seeing — “I am the Immaculate Conception.” Héraut’s great voice, filled with determination and resolve, ignites strong emotions as he sings that now he is going to believe her and protect her. He's a changed person.

So is Bernadette’s father, now on her side no matter what comes. The emotion might be there on paper in the story, but it's hidden or muted. When acted out and sung like this in the heartfelt way of French actor-singer David Ban, it comes to the fore and really stands out, as it stirs viewers’ - hearts.

At the same time, Bernadette’s mother cannot seem to move beyond the idea her daughter’s actions are somehow destroying what little dignity the poor family has.

The angry commissioner who is resolute on breaking down Bernadette also gets a moment in song when instead he himself breaks down in anguish about the fight going on inside of him.

Every one of these moments during a musical confirm how powerful and moving theater can be. Best of all, Bernadette makes these moments all the more important because most of them and their emotions emphasize faith, belief and what the response to it should be.

At times like this, the translation almost becomes secondary because viewers instinctively know what Bernadette is expressing and the others also convey through such beautiful singing. The emotions and thoughts of the characters come through the music in so many ways.

Bernadette of Lourdes, the Musical is not only well done, yet without appearing too theatrical. That's the trick of moving a story from stage to screen. In this case, the producers and director make the finished work the best of both worlds.

Moving Moments

Several scenes can — and undoubtedly will — bring tears to viewers’ eyes. One such standout moment is when Bernadette opens her heart and sings to the Blessed Mother the lovely Madame, absolutely beautiful and highly emotional, as is the companion scene when she is going into the convent of the Sisters of Charity with the family present.

This is a film you will easily remember after you leave the theater. It moves the best of thoughts and emotions. It stirs the faith. It proves what good film and good theater can and should be.

Eyma will be playing Bernadette in the stage version that will be translated into English and already planned for a U.S. and Canadian tour through several cities in 2026. But do not wait until then. Don’t miss Bernadette of Lourdes, the Musical.

This film is playing in theaters Sept. 28 & 29. Check here for theaters