Netflix's next comic-book adaptation is Warrior Nun, loosely based on the Antarctic Press title Warrior Nun Areala created by Ben Dunn. Blending Catholic imagery with superhero action, the live-action series runs for ten episodes that are buoyed by a likable cast. However, while the characters help keep audiences invested in the demon-busting action, the overall execution is notably clumsy, with some narrative tropes appearing intrusive and overstaying their welcome. In addition, the pacing is uneven until locking into place approximately halfway through the season.
The series stars Alba Baptista as a young woman named Ava who's left paralyzed in a repressive orphanage in Spain after a horrific crash. Dying under mysterious circumstances, Ava awakens in a morgue only to discover that she has a holy relic embedded into her body. She is taken in by an order of highly trained combat nuns and quickly finds herself caught in the middle of the eternal war between Heaven and Hell. And while the powers and incredible abilities bestowed upon her by the artifact make Ava the most pivotal figure in this epic battle, she craves a normal life outside of her newfound responsibilities in the monastic order's ongoing crusade.
Right from jump, the series hits the ground running as the nuns are drawn into a bloody battle against the forces of darkness. While this draws viewers in, the sense of urgency is quickly lost as the narrative shifts its focus to Ava's second lease on life rather than the greater conflict. Baptista's performance sells this well and she never comes across as grating or annoying, but there's an over-reliance on Ava constantly delivering internal monologues commenting on her immediate surroundings. This is dialed down as the season continues but is heavy-handed at first.
The supporting cast is similarly effective, from veteran actors Tristan Ulloa and Joaquim de Alameida as rival religious figures in the Church, to Toya Turner as an especially badass nun who forges her own path after the sacred relic initially goes missing. Each of the various cast members lend a deep sense of fun to the proceedings, shaping the world and its fantastical premise as the holy war reaches a new twist with the advent of experimental technology that could turn the tide of battle.
Similar to Netflix's previous adaptation of the comic book Daybreak, the decided shift to a coming-of-age dynamic is a bit jarring. It takes up the focus for much of the first half of the season as Ava finds a new group of friends and love interest, while the supporting cast maintain the heaven-versus-hell premise in a background capacity. At first, this could throw off viewers expecting wall-to-wall action after the show's slam-dunk opening. However, there are only a handful of action sequences in the early episodes before the stakes are raised in the back half of the season as Ava begins to reconcile with her new destiny.
While Warrior Nun's first half proves to be a bit shaky, with a greater emphasis on emotion than action, its cast continues to invite audiences along for the ride as their characters develop. For those waiting for hard-hitting, holy action, the series delivers the thrills around the halfway point. It's here that the show reminds its viewers to sit back and have a good time as its delivers on the promise of its premise, with sharpened swords and guns blazing.
Based on the comic book series by Ben Dunn, Warrior Nun was developed for television by Simon Barry and stars Alba Baptista and Tristan Ulloa. The series premieres on Netflix on July 2.