Stigmata is a supernatural horror film that was directed by Rupert Wainwright and released in 1999. The film stars Patricia Arquette as Frankie Paige, the protagonist who begins experiencing the stigmata, or wounds similar to those Jesus Christ received during his crucifixion. Gabriel Byrne plays Father Andrew Kiernan, the protagonist's priest who investigates her case after the Vatican learns of her strange experiences.
The film opens with Frankie working as a hairdresser in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. One day, she receives a rosary from her mother, who had recently returned from a trip to Brazil. After touching the rosary, Frankie begins experiencing strange and violent occurrences. She is physically attacked by an invisible force, and her body begins to manifest marks resembling the wounds of Christ. Frankie's behavior becomes increasingly erratic and dangerous, causing her friends and family to worry for her well-being.
Father Kiernan is summoned by the Vatican to investigate Frankie's case. Kiernan is a scholar of ancient languages and religious artifacts who has specialized in investigating miracles and religious phenomena. As he begins to dig deeper into Frankie's case, he discovers that her experiences are linked to a lost gospel whose contents threaten the very foundation of the Catholic Church.
As Kiernan tries to protect Frankie and stop the supernatural force that is tormenting her, he finds himself in conflict with members of the Church hierarchy, who seek to suppress the gospel's revelations at any cost. With the help of his colleague Father Dario (played by Jonathan Pryce), Kiernan must unravel the mystery behind the lost gospel and stop the malevolent force that is seeking to use it for its own dark purposes.
The film is notable for its exploration of religious themes and its depiction of a supernatural force that challenges the established beliefs of the Catholic Church. The visual effects used to depict the stigmata and other supernatural occurrences are impressive, and the film's soundtrack features music from popular bands such as Massive Attack, David Bowie, and Marilyn Manson. While the film was met with mixed reviews upon its release, it has since gained a cult following among fans of horror and religious-themed films.