Bad Sister (2015) β A Dark Twist Between Faith and Obsession
Director: Doug Campbell
Writer: Barbara Kymlicka
Starring: Alyshia Ochse, Devon Werkheiser, Ryan Newman
Genre: Thriller/Drama
Runtime: 87 minutes
Network: Lifetime
About
βBad Sisterβ is a 2015 Lifetime horror film that puts a dark and suspenseful twist on the typical setting of a Catholic high school. With a mix of psychological tension, religious imagery, and forbidden obsession, the film explores what happens when faith is misplacedβand danger follows.
Plot Summary
The story follows Zoe, a teenage girl who becomes increasingly suspicious of her younger brotherβs new teacher, Sister Sophia. At first glance, Sister Sophia is warm, charismatic, and highly respected. But Zoe soon begins to uncover strange behaviorβand the disturbing obsession the nun is developing with her younger brother.
As Zoe digs deeper, she realizes Sister Sophia is not who she claims to be. While the adults remain blind to the danger, Zoe races against time to expose the truth and protect her family from a woman who is anything but holy.
Themes & Tone
βBad Sisterβ thrives on themes of deception, religious hypocrisy, and female-driven manipulation. It plays with contrastsβinnocence versus danger, faith versus obsessionβto create tension in a safe spiritual environment.
The tone is suspenseful with occasional dramatic moments. It relies on Lifetimeβs signature formula: high-stakes family tension with a slightly over-the-top villain who keeps you both intrigued and uncomfortable.
Performance Highlights
Alyshia Ochse gives a compelling performance as Sister Sophia, combining charm and menace. Her performance walks the line between charming and psychotic, making her both unpredictable and compelling.
Devon Werkheiser and Ryan Newman play the unwitting siblings who fall into Sophia’s trap, delivering realistic, believable performances despite the film’s overblown premise.
Critical Reviews
While Bad Sister didn’t receive widespread critical acclaim, it has developed a devoted following among Lifetime fans and those who appreciate the melodramatic horror genre. The film’s IMDb rating hovers around 4.7/10, reflecting the split between general audiences and those who appreciate its particular genre of cheap entertainment.
Why Watch?
If you’re looking for:
A horror movie set in a religious school,
A female villain with a chilling twist,
A “so bad it’s good” Lifetime classic,
β¦ then Bad Sister will deliver the drama, suspense, and dark intrigue you’re looking for.
Final Thoughts
While not a masterpiece, Bad Sister is an entertaining take on the made-for-TV horror genre. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most dangerous people are the ones we’ve been taught to trustβand that obsession can take any form, even a nun.
