Nunsploitation is a subgenre of
exploitation film which had its peak in Europe in the 1970s. These films typically involve
Christian nuns living in
convents during the Middle Ages. The main conflict of the story is usually of a religious or sexual nature, such as religious oppression or sexual suppression due to living in
celibacy. The
Inquisition is another common theme. These films, although often seen as pure exploitation films, often contain criticism against religion in general and the
Catholic Church in particular. Indeed, some protagonist dialogue voiced feminist consciousness and rejection of their subordinated social role. Many of these films were made in countries where the
Catholic Church is influential, such as Italy and Spain. One atypical example of the genre, however, is
Killer Nun (
Suor Omicidi), set in then present-day Italy (1978).