Young nuns cooped up in a monastery. Lustful yearnings. The hint of demonic possession. What seems like the makings of a tawdry horror show becomes a subtle and moving exploration into the sacred and profane. The miracle worker here is Christian Mungiu, the Romanian writer-director who helped put his country’s cinema on the map with 2007’s 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days, a firebomb about illegal abortion. Beyond the Hills plays it closer inside, timed to the beat of bruised hearts. Alina (Cristina Flutur) has come to the monastery to visit her childhood friend Voichita (Cosmina Stratan), now in the service of God. Had they been lovers? The film suggests, but never shows – only Alina’s desire to lead Voichita off to a life beyond. Both actresses are exceptional. Mungiu lets the bleakness of these lives seep into the soul. Exorcist junkies should look elsewhere. Instead of spinning heads and projectile puke, Mungiu offers nuance and provocation. The result is quietly devastating.

“More Than a Feeling”

Boston mastermind Tom Scholz was as surprised by anyone when he sent his unsolicited demo to record labels and got back a positive response. Scholz said, “I couldn’t believe it. Nobody knew who we were, so I wouldn’t even say we were struggling. It was groveling.” Part of the credit for the interest must go to the anthemic rock number "More Than a Feeling." Inspired by the Left Banke's 1966 hit "Walk Away Renee," Scholz worked on the song for five years in his basement studio before it was released on this album.