Agnes of God is a 1985 drama film directed by Norman Jewison and written by John Pielmeier. It is based on his 1979 play of the same name. The film stars Jane Fonda as psychiatrist Martha Livingston, Anne Bancroft as the Mother Superior, and Meg Tilly as Sister Agnes, the novice accused of murdering her newborn baby.
The story revolves around the investigation of the death of the baby, which is initially ruled as a stillbirth by the attending physician. However, after an examination by the coroner, it is determined that the baby was born alive and then strangled. The only suspect is the young novice, Agnes, who claims to have no memory of her pregnancy and birth. She believes that the baby was a gift from God and that she is innocent of any wrongdoing.
Martha, who is an atheist, is sent by the court to evaluate Agnes' mental state to determine if she is fit to stand trial. The Mother Superior believes that Agnes is a saint and refuses to cooperate with the investigation. However, Martha begins to uncover a web of secrets and intrigues that suggest that the Mother Superior may have played a role in Agnes' pregnancy and the subsequent murder of her baby.
The film tackles themes of faith, sexuality, and the role of women in Catholicism. It was praised for its strong performances, particularly by Tilly, who was nominated for an Academy Award for her portrayal of Agnes. However, it also faced criticism from some Catholic groups who felt that it portrayed the Church in a negative light.