Warrior Nun
Warrior Nun is a Netflix original fantasy drama series based on the comic book character Warrior Nun Areala. The story centers on Ava Silva, a quadriplegic orphan who is resurrected with a divine artifact—a halo—embedded in her back. This artifact grants her supernatural powers and thrusts her into the ancient Order of the Cruciform Sword, a secret society of warrior nuns tasked with fighting demons on Earth. Across its two seasons, the show blends elements of fantasy, action, and religious themes, with Ava navigating her new abilities, uncovering conspiracies within the Vatican, and battling demonic forces. The series is primarily aimed at a mature young adult and adult audience due to its intense themes, violence, language, and mature relationships.
Concerns
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
HighThe series features prominent LGBTQ representation, with a central romantic relationship between the lead character, Ava, and Sister Beatrice. This relationship evolves from implied feelings in Season 1 to an explicit romance with a kiss and love confessions in Season 2. The show also acknowledges historical queer figures within its fictional world.
In Season 1, Episode 8, Sister Beatrice comes out to Ava, expressing how she is 'different' and tried to be 'normal,' to which Ava responds, 'don't hate what you are; what you are is beautiful.' The romance between Ava and Beatrice escalates in Season 2, culminating in a passionate kiss and mutual 'I love yous' in the Season 2 finale (Episode 8). Additionally, the series introduces the character of Sister Melanie, a past Warrior Nun who was persecuted for being gay during World War II.
Violence
HighThe series contains frequent and often graphic violence, featuring intense fight choreography, abundant human blood, gore, and explicit depictions of demons and their attacks. Nuns engage in combat using various weapons against both human and supernatural foes.
The Order of the Cruciform Sword consists of 'ultra-violent' nuns who 'nonlethally batter countless men and demons with crosses, batons, and jabs.' Scenes include frequent human blood and 'gore is abundant.' Specific examples include a nun battling with 'dual wielding shotguns' and a priest strangling a bodyguard. The protagonist, Ava, kills Sister Frances in Season 1, Episode 10, when Frances attempts to poison her.
Profanity
HighThe series features frequent and strong profanity throughout, with characters, including the nuns, using curse words consistently in their dialogue.
Movieguide notes that 'The nuns use swear words in every sentence,' indicating a high frequency of strong language. This is presented as inconsistent with traditional portrayals of religious figures. While specific quotes are not detailed, the general pervasive use of profanity is emphasized.
Witchcraft & Occult
HighWitchcraft and occult themes are central to the plot, involving supernatural powers, divine artifacts, demons, and angels. The series is built around a secret order fighting forces from both Heaven and Hell.
The entire premise revolves around Ava receiving a 'magical halo' that grants her powers to fight 'the forces of darkness' and 'demons.' The primary antagonist, Adriel, is depicted as a 'demon-angel.' The Order of the Cruciform Sword is dedicated to training and fighting these supernatural entities, making occult elements integral to every aspect of the storyline.
Scary & Intense Content
HighThe show contains significant scary and intense content, including demonic imagery, jump scares, suspenseful situations, and the constant threat of violence and death from supernatural entities and human adversaries.
Demons are shown 'in full haunting capacity,' contributing to frightening visuals and an intense atmosphere. The narrative often involves characters in life-threatening situations, such as Ava's confrontations with demons and other powerful beings like Lilith, who can inflict harm with her divinium sword. The show's fight sequences and supernatural threats create consistent tension and moments of fear.
Anti-Christian Themes
HighThe series presents a worldview that is critical of established religious institutions, portraying the fictionalized Vatican and its leaders as corrupt and malevolent. It depicts nuns as ultra-violent and often at odds with traditional Christian values, leading to a perspective that can be perceived as anti-Christian.
Movieguide explicitly identifies 'Warrior Nun's worldview' as 'violent and anti-Christian,' highlighting its portrayal of the 'Vatican as a malevolent force' and a cardinal as the 'central antagonist.' The nuns are depicted as 'ultra-violent,' using swear words, and 'do not pray on screen and frequently argue,' contradicting traditional perceptions of religious devotion.
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumThe show includes romantic relationships and implied sexual content without explicit nudity or graphic sexual acts. There are scenes of kissing, suggestive moments, and characters undressing, but the camera cuts away from explicit details.
In Season 1, Episode 4, Ava and JC are shown stripping down to their underwear and kissing. While there is no explicit nudity, a scene depicts Ava in a towel after a shower, and the scene with Ava and JC cuts away after her top is removed. The romantic tension between Ava and Beatrice in Season 2 includes 'lustful staring and heart eyes' and a 'steamy' dance at a bar, leading to their kiss.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumThe series prominently features themes of disrespect and rebellion, particularly concerning authority figures within religious institutions. The protagonist, Ava, often defies expectations and expresses a desire for personal freedom.
The first season's narrative includes 'rebelling against corruption' within the Church. The nuns themselves are shown to 'frequently argue with each other' and display attitudes contrary to traditional religious humility. Ava, after being resurrected, initially rejects her role as the Warrior Nun, desiring to 'live' her own life and often challenges the authority and dogma of the Order.
Substance Use
LowSubstance use content is minimal and generally implied rather than explicitly shown or glorified. If present, it is not central to the plot or characters' development.
Australian Classification ratings indicate 'Drug use: None, Very mild' for Warrior Nun Season 1. There are no significant plot points or character arcs centered around substance abuse, nor are there explicit depictions of drug or heavy alcohol consumption.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
17+ (TV-MA). This recommendation is due to frequent graphic violence, gore, mature supernatural themes involving demons, consistent strong language, and a central explicit same-sex romantic relationship.
Additional Notes
The series underwent a cancellation by Netflix after two seasons, but due to strong fan campaigns, a revival trilogy of films has been announced. The show's portrayal of its LGBTQ romance faced reported resistance from Netflix executives, with writers allegedly having to 'secretly insert' elements of the relationship into the script.
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