The daughter of a 16th Century Spanish nobleman strives to transcend her role as a woman in society and achieve something truly profound in this period drama starring Paz Vega and Geraldine Chaplin. Teresa de Cepeda y Ahumada (Vega) knows well what is expected of her as a woman existing in a man's world, but she refuses to accept it. Convinced that she is capable of accomplishing much more than being a loyal wife and loving mother, Teresa enters a convent intent on writing, reading, learning, and living a full, richly textured life. Much to Teresa's dismay, the same vapid materialism and frivolity that seemed to have consumed the outside world have somehow found their way into the hallowed halls of this convent as well. In protest, Teresa embarks on a crusade of prayer and sacrifice that initially finds her branded a lunatic by those in power. But over the course of time something truly profound happens: a woman once considered mentally unstable gradually evolves to become a celebrated leader and, ultimately, a true saint of the highest order.
~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide