This article was written by Aimee Hicks, Ellys Cartin, Jamie Coudeville, and MarÃa Sol. The article was edited by Donna Cromeans (DJRiter). The open and close of the article were written by Aimee Hicks. Prepared for publishing by Aimee Hicks.
In early July, Warrior Nun quietly arrived on the scene without much fanfare. A show about a formerly paralyzed recently dead girl who was resurrected by a powerful religious artifact didn't garner much promotional effort from Netflix. Yet within the first twenty-four hours of its premiere, it was suddenly a breakout hit. Netflix has a ton of original content, more than any other streaming service, yet not all of it is memorable or capable of sucking in a devoted and loyal fanbase. It takes a show that is truly special to be able to overcome the hurdles presented by having its entire season drop on a single day. Warrior Nun succeeded where many others have failed because of a well-written story and a cast of talented newcomers to the industry. They made the point that you don't need to have an extensive resume to be able to take command of a role and make a name for yourself. All it takes is a dedication to the craft and drive to put everything you have into a role. That's where our July Readers' Choice Performer of the Month falls. The role of Sister Beatrice is the first major mainstream role for Kristina Tonteri-Young and she quickly proved why natural talent can mean far more than experience.
Thankfully when casting, Warrior Nun chose talent over resume length to allow the world to be introduced to Tonteri-Young. She rapidly showcased her natural talent and proved she could handle anything thrown at her. For her first major role, they entrusted her with a very important storyline. Over recent years, coming out storylines have become a popular plot point, so much so that some of the stories just fall flat because they lack the emotional range or real stakes to make them have an impact. Many shows rush through the coming out journey when in real life the journey to that point can be long and filled with obstacles, both physical and perceived. Some shows make a hard emotional journey seem too simple and too easy, when for many it is the complete opposite, especially for those who grew up under strict religious teachings. That isn't the path that Netflix's Warrior Nun chose to go down. They took the path less often followed by having Tonteri-Young take Beatrice down the harder path which will make the rewards at the end all more impactful. They have many characters that may or may not fall into the LGBTQ community. They have, for now, left a lot of their stories open to interpretation, but they have Beatrice who without question is working through her journey towards accepting her true self as a woman who loves other women. While she had a season full of incredible moments it wasn't until Proverbs 14:1 (1x8) that this aspect of her story was ramped up. The storyline mixed with Tonteri-Young's command of the character left a big impression. This isn't a story that played out in a single episode or even in a single season. By the time the season ended, it was clear who had opened her heart up to the possibility of one day being free of societal and religious constraints. Who she will be with in the end and how long it will take her to feel free enough to love openly is all still unknown. What is known is that to pull off a character like this it takes an actress with impeccable control. She must be able to keep the character closed off and know the precise beats she needs to hit to start allowing the audience glimpses of the inner turmoil raging within the character. They clearly knew what they were doing when they entrusted such an important storyline to Tonteri-Young. She breathed life into the complex and loyal Sister Beatrice to the point that she felt like a real tangible person. Her portrayal of Sister Beatrice as both a badass warrior and a young woman struggling with her sexuality endeared her to viewers and led her to easily win this title.
Continue reading below to find out our thoughts regarding her performance. After reading, please leave your thoughts in the comments.
Despite performing like a seasoned pro, Sister Beatrice is Tonteri-Young's first major role. As a newcomer, she didn't come into this role with a built-in fanbase, but almost immediately within the first 24-hours of the Season One release she had already rapidly developed a quickly growing fanbase. Every successful performer has that special it factor, what do you think Tonteri-Young's it factor is that so quickly drew fans to her? When was the first time in the season that her performance really wowed you and captured your attention?
Aimee: I want to describe her “it” factor as charisma, but I’m not entirely sure that’s right. She has a magnetic ability to her that transfers into her character and a lot of qualities that seem to converge to give her an appeal that is hard to define. She delivers such compelling and charismatic performances that she really encompasses a whole gambit of expression and emotion. Whether it's commanding your attention during intense action sequences or grabbing your focus in the quieter scenes, she makes you care about what is happening to her character. It’s hard to not be drawn to the performance she is delivering.
As for the first time I was really drawn to her this season, I would have to say that moment came in the very first episode. To me, it was obvious early on that she was going to be someone to watch. The first time I really had a feeling that she was going to be a breakout star was in Ephesians 6:11 (1x3). That episode gave her more to do and started the slow process of peeling back a layer of Sister Beatrice that she had been fighting so hard to keep locked away. The material in this episode gave her more to dig into and she allowed the audience to see that this character who seems so in control is more than she appears at first glance.
Ellys: Generally, television shows draw me in with quieter characters who start in the background and gradually emerge as major players. Tonteri-Young swiftly establishes who Beatrice is in the very first scene we meet her, Sister Shannon (Melina Matthews)'s death scene. She's calm and accepting even as darker emotions of grief, fear, and ambition rotate through her sisters. Other than the tears in her eyes, Tonteri-Young doesn't let Beatrice waver; she quietly but compassionately asks about something to ease Sister Shannon's pain and gives Shannon a brief kiss goodbye on the forehead. We know from this first scene we meet her that Beatrice has near rock-solid composure and each crack that Tonteri-Young reveals maps out for us what forms that composition and why it is both an asset and a burden for Beatrice.
Jamie: Well, she first captured my attention when she was basically the only one of the nuns who was nice to Ava (Alba Baptista). She really impressed me during the fight scene in Ecclesiasticus 26:9-10 (1x4). I think that, along with the scene where she admits to Ava that she likes girls, is probably what drew fans to her. Tonteri-Young's stellar acting is what made fans stick around. You truly can't tell that this is her first major role. There are no stumbles, her performance always came across as genuine.
MarÃa: Sister Beatrice through the talent of Tonteri-Young is a character that little by little and with the development of the story is showing us different layers and contrasts. In her performance the actress reveals these nuances, by showing new details of her personality and why she is the way she is, and that she's capable to display at the same time strength and vulnerability. I think this has made the actress become one of the favorites of the audience. I also think that a big part of the audience's attraction to her may lie in the fact that Beatrice is a character that many people can easily identify with because she is someone who doesn't feel understood by those around her. Ecclesiasticus 26:9-10 was certainly the first time that I could see the full potential of Sister Beatrice when the Order goes to Jillian Salvius (Thekla Reuten)'s lab and she clearly appears as the leader in charge of the mission, and later takes most of the action by facing all the guards. I think that scene was the one that made me pay more attention to the character, in addition to the performance of Tonteri-Young.
It was stated during promotion for the first season that the chemistry between Sister Beatrice and Ava (aka #Avatrice) was scripted to be very ambiguous and the actresses played the dynamic perfectly. Proverbs 14:1 is the episode that really started to edge into the deeper emotions involved with this dynamic. Looking at this relationship from Sister Beatrice's side of things, based on how Tonteri-Young played the emotions of the moment, in which scene do you think Sister Beatrice realized she may be developing deeper feelings for Ava? In what ways did her performance choices help establish the evolution of the bond between the characters?
Aimee: I would say that a seed was sown during Ephesians 6:11 when Ava sought solace in Beatrice's arms, but it would take many episodes for that seed to spark an ember of real feelings. Let's be clear, a spark is definitely smoldering between these two characters, but there isn't a full-on raging array of romantic feelings in play just yet. These are early days of whatever these characters may or may not become. There is without question something smoldering between them and it doesn't appear to be entirely one-sided. On Beatrice's side of things, I think her feelings became terrifyingly real for her during Proverbs 14:1. This was a standout episode for Tonteri-Young and it gave her a lot to play with in regards to this particular dynamic. There are two scenes that I think were critical to Beatrice realizing feelings were working their way into the equation. The first was obviously the moment where she was translating Sister Melanie's story for Ava. Upon Ava's inquiry about why Sister Melanie was being persecuted by the Nazi's, Beatrice had to confess that Sister Melanie had been gay. Up until that point, Tonteri-Young played the moment like the earlier translation scene from the opening, nothing out of the ordinary, but then Sister Melanie's sexuality came into the equation and Tonteri-Young shifted her performance to show Beatrice's unease. Then from the script of the book, Beatrice had to repeat Sister Melanie's description of herself to a Nazi officer, lesbich. The deep breath and uneasy waiver to her line delivery allowed the audience an intimate insight that the German word for lesbian had a deep and personal meaning to Beatrice. Ava seemed to understand something was going on with Beatrice but didn't fully put everything together initially. That led to Beatrice lashing out at her, not out of anger, but pure frustration. Tonteri-Young perfectly executed the frustration the character was experiencing. She clearly isn't at a point in her journey yet where she could .spell it out for Ava and declare herself a lesbian. She could barely use the word to describe another person, but she had hoped that the other woman would read between the lines. It took a moment of contemplation, but Ava seemed to put the pieces together and when Ava voiced her support for Beatrice there was this moment of quiet contemplation where Tonteri-Young allowed Beatrice to relax and an almost involuntary smile spread across her downturned lips. When she looked up, her eyes softened, and tears fell. When she had Beatrice look at Ava and address her directly there was a clear softening in her entire posture and a gentleness seeped into her eyes. It was as if Beatrice was seeing Ava, really truly seeing her, for the first time. That scene then led into the training scene where Ava fell into Beatrice's arms at the end. The longing look Tonteri-Young delivered picked up from right where the last longing look left off, but this one was much more intense. She held a soul-piercing gaze with Baptista as they each locked into a profound moment for their characters. I think that because of her performance, it was in this moment where the full realization of Beatrice's smoldering feelings slammed into her like a ton of bricks. After that moment there was no denying what Beatrice was feeling. Tonteri-Young made sure that there wasn't a single question regarding what was developing in Beatrice's heart in regards to Ava.
She is clearly the sort of actress that takes the dialogue and notes she is given and maps out exactly how to get the most out of that moment. Going into each Beatrice and Ava scene you can tell she came into the scene planning to deliver on every beat. If it's even just a longing glance or a sly soft smile, she knows how to play those to the camera to best capture what Beatrice is feeling and experiencing. Like in this episode, where she took Beatrice from snapping at Ava to backing off and softening her approach, those were very calculated moments to advance the storyline between the characters. All those little moments when combined with the bigger moments add up and each plays an important part in the story. Her calculated and expertly executed reactions have all helped to build this duo to where they were when the season ended, with each emotionally bonded to the other and willing to lay everything on the line for the other. Who knows what the characters will become to each other, but these actresses will certainly make sure we feel each and every emotion that these two exchange.
Ellys: A newcomer into any group creates the opportunity for individuals within that group to re-calibrate their own identities. A stranger with no knowledge of who you are or who you have been may open the door for you to rediscover a part of yourself that you lost sight of. I love the ambiguity between Ava and Beatrice, not only because I adore slow burns but also because their developing friendship felt more natural to real-life by not becoming something else right away. Baptista brings Ava to life with a youthful sense of chaotic joy, forever one breath away from mischief; she could throw a whirling dervish out of whirl. Tonteri-Young, on the surface, is inhabiting the opposite character in Beatrice, who possesses an endless repertoire of valuable skills that enhance her position as the group's voice of reason. We see these two young women discover they do have something in common, an understanding of what it feels like to be trapped in someone else's expectation for who they should be. Had I not read interviews that indicated there was meant to be sparks between these two and had there not been that one scene where there are clearly sparks, I would not have jumped ahead to them as a possible couple. The tenderness and respect that grows ever so gradually between them set Ava and Beatrice up to have the most rewarding kind of TV relationship, the one that we get to see built brick by brick.
Jamie: The scene where Beatrice tells Ava about her life before becoming a nun isn't necessarily the scene where she realized she's developing deeper feelings for Ava, but it is the scene where it became a possibility for her. When Ava calls her beautiful and to not hate who she is, Tonteri-Young shows us that not only did Beatrice feel relieved, but she also really need to hear those words. I think Beatrice's feelings started to grow in the scene where she's talking Ava through the stone, through her fears. You can see that she's starting to care for Ava.
MarÃa: The characters of Ava and Beatrice are very contrasting, in a way even opposite. While Beatrice appears as a serious, formal, and analytical person, Ava is livelier, eager to see the world, and have fun. They both grew up in quite different ways, but still have points of convergence. Throughout the story, they become an important support system for each other, while Ava makes Beatrice feel understood, Tonteri-Young's Beatrice motivates and challenges the other to move forward. I think that the scene where Beatrice guides Ava through the block wall is when we can begin to glimpse that something more might be developing between them. She is genuinely concerned for her friend and shows relief when Ava manages to get out and she is right out there to catch her in more than one way.
Frequently, in the many enthusiastic interviews she has done about her role as Sister Beatrice, Tonteri-Young has referenced how costumes can impact her performance and what traits of her character she is highlighting. How does she utilize the functionality and aesthetics of Beatrice's wardrobe to enrich her portrayal of this character?
Aimee: From what I understand, Tonteri-Young used to be a pretty avid cosplayer, so she seemingly came into this role with a great understanding of the transformative capability of costumes. Right from the start of the season, she was in the nun costume, but there were a few variations and evolutions of that costume throughout the season. I feel like when she was in the full nun costume early on, she carried Beatrice in a much stiffer way. Then there was the chainmail face-covering battle costume that was incorporated during the fight sequence in Ecclesiasticus 26:9-10 that really showcased the fierceness in the character. While the fight sequence was her stunt double, the lead-up to the fight allowed her to really show the audience that Beatrice means business and when she's on a mission she is entirely focused on it. She still played Beatrice stiff, but there was a more focused determination as if Tonteri-Young was pulling energy from that badass costume. The next big change in the costume was in Ephesians 4:22-24 (1x7) after Beatrice is sent away from Cat's Cradle. She is in a basic outfit that was the most relaxed costume they put her in all season. When she was in that costume, she carried Beatrice entirely differently. There was a more relaxed manner in the way she moved and reacted to situations. She was still a badass nun as she showcased when she battled Sister Crimson (Sinead MacInnes) to save Ava and Mary (Toya Turner), but she wasn't nearly as stiff as when in the strict nun costume. Her movements were more fluid and less deliberately planned. The strict nun costume returned for Proverbs 14:1 and for the first part of 2 Corinthians 10:4 (1x9) before seeing the warrior costume make a resurgence for the latter half of that episode bleeding over into the season finale. With each costume change, she shifted her performance a smidge, not so much so that the character lost her identity, to the contrary, each of her changes peeled back a new layer on Beatrice. It is very clear that she is an actress who understands and appreciates the power of a costume and for a series like Warrior Nun, that is so important. The costumes of this show are almost a character in their own right, so the fact she has such command over them only helped elevate her performance.
Ellys: One of my favorite features of Warrior Nun is how each sister warrior has a slightly different "fighting costume," with each one's outfit uniquely suited in its customization to the personalities and histories of the woman wearing it. Beatrice's costume, in particular, features the most elements that could be deemed traditional or that hearken back to medieval knights. We see this in the prominent chain mail elements and multiple cross items. Her outfit also involves concealment in a rather spectacular fashion, both with her weapons and her face shield. When in warrior mode, Tonteri-Young plays the most confident version of Beatrice, an electrically proficient and efficient fighter. It's symbolic, of course, that she is her fiercest self when in that type of costume, but Tonteri-Young also uses these scenes to just let her character shine. Simply put, Beatrice gets stuff done, in a way that tells us how brilliant she is and leaves us eagerly anticipating when we'll get to spend more time with her.
Jamie: The character of Beatrice is always very calm, very collected and I can imagine that the nun costume really helps with that. Just like it's easy to imagine that the battle armor can help make someone feel powerful. Even in battle, Beatrice's head is almost completely covered which I think once again refers to how pulled together she always is. We rarely see her panic.
MarÃa: I find it interesting how they give a twist to the traditional clothing used by nuns and transform it into special suits for their operational work as warriors. The scene in which this use of costumes to highlight the characters and their actions stands out the most is precisely when they go to Jillian Salvius' laboratory. When Beatrice puts the chain mail mask on her face to start the fight, it is almost as if she is wearing a superhero costume that gives her special powers. I see it as a metaphor for the hidden strength that this nun has and that comes to light when she has a mission and a goal. It's almost as if by covering her face she is transformed into someone else, although it is her true self that comes out to the surface.
Tonteri-Young seems to have forged strong friendships with her castmates which translated into authentic bonds between Sister Beatrice and the other characters. What memorable scenes that showcased this organic chemistry stood out to you? What performance pairings are you hoping to see more of in a second season?
Aimee: The thing about this cast is that they all seem to get along remarkably well. They seem like genuine friends and I think that they all brought that organic chemistry into their performances. Tonteri-Young seemed to really tap into those off-screen bonds she'd formed with her castmates, in particular when it came to the scenes she shared with Baptista. Beatrice had more interaction with Ava than any other of the main characters, which allowed Tonteri-Young and Baptista to really lock into their organic chemistry to sell the will-they-or-won't-they aspect of their characters maybe fledgling deeper than friends feelings. I hesitate to say what the characters have is a romantic relationship just yet, because it hasn't quite reached that level just yet, but they are definitely very close friends who seem to be realizing that emotional romantic feelings may be starting to seep into the equation. Both of the actresses have done an amazing job bringing to life the complex dynamic between their characters. Their most memorable scenes have basically all been mentioned already, but for a quick highlight. In Ephesians 6:11, we got to see how Tonteri-Young had Beatrice hesitate to fully embrace Ava when the other woman sought refuge in her arms after a tense and heartbreaking encounter with Mother Superion (Sylvia De Fanti). Then again in the same episode where she had Beatrice try to provide some understanding and support to Ava who was still trying to grapple with the news that they suspected that she had taken her own life. Even through the awkwardness of the first scene and the heartbreak of the latter you could feel the organic and easy chemistry between the two. That chemistry was highlighted over and over again throughout the season. It was given real time to shine in the last four episodes of the season. We got to see badass Beatrice risk everything to save Ava and vice versa in Ephesians 4:22-24 highlighted by her gentle desperation to tend to Ava’s wound, followed by all the bonding, affection and trust that was built throughout Proverbs 14:1, Corinthians 10:4, and Revelation 2:10 (1x10). They honestly have such strong chemistry that every scene they share has some little gesture or glance that adds just a little something extra to the beautiful arc their characters are on.
As for who I'd like to see Tonteri-Young share more scenes with, well, the answer to that is all of them. This entire cast has spectacular chemistry and I think that every possible scene partner scenario within this cast is guaranteed to result in something amazing coming to life on our screens. I'd really like to see Beatrice interact with Sister Camila (Olivia Delcán) more. Not the least of which is because I really thought Camila was criminally underused, but also because the scenes that we did get between Tonteri-Young and Delcán showcased just how strong of an acting duo these two could be if given more material to work with on together.
Ellys: The show gave us only the merest glimpses of the mentorship that Sylvia De Fanti's Mother Superion has with the Order of the Cruciform Sword warriors, but that key moment when Superion silently orders Beatrice to evaluate Sister Crimson's fighting skills as well as the later scene between Beatrice and Superion when the former is being exiled spoke of a longer history. I would certainly hope to see more of them interacting, especially after the revelations of the final episodes in the first season. De Fanti and Tonteri-Young also both give understated performances that deliver dual narratives about who Beatrice and Superion present themselves to be versus who they really are.
Jamie: I wouldn't say that there was anything that stood out specifically, but it was always noticeably clear from Tonteri-Young's performance that Beatrice deeply cares for her sisters. I would certainly love to see more one on one interacts with Mary (Toya Turner) because I feel like the characters have such different personalities.
MarÃa: Without a doubt, this series is based on the strong bond that the warrior sisters have. Each of them plays a different role and has a defined specific personality while complementing each other. The scenes that now come to my mind and that exemplify this bond are those at the beginning and at the end of the season when they are facing their enemies. Despite the differences and confrontations, they may have had at different times and for different reasons, what ultimately brings them together is how much they care for each other, even above the original mission they had as part of the Order of the Cruciform Sword. I think that, based on how Season 1 ended, it will definitely be very interesting to see what the new dynamics of this team will be and what next steps they'll take individually, in addition to knowing to what extent the relationship between Beatrice and Ava will develop.
Tonteri-Young's performance defines who Sister Beatrice is, providing windows into her past and presenting hints at her future. What were your favorite parts of her performance in this episode and throughout the first season? How do Sister Beatrice's story and development affect your impression of Warrior Nun overall and your need for more seasons of the show?
Aimee: I've already discussed most of my favorite moments in detail. What I want to do is talk about the mastery she has of her art for such a young newcomer to the industry. That flawless British accent she sports through the series isn't even her real accent. I remember being floored the first time I heard her give an interview. That level of accent control is something that takes some performers their entire career to master and some never do. Even in emotional moments like in Proverbs 14:1 she never lets the accent slip. That is some expert-level control. She is also very skilled in using her body to convey so much of what is going on inside of Beatrice's head. She is smart regarding when she lets the audience in and when she shuts Beatrice down and slides into badass nun mode as happened in Ecclesiasticus 26:9-10. From the very beginning, I was impressed by Tonteri-Young and that definitely ensured that I paid more attention to the arc of her character. Her performance sucked me into Beatrice's journey. The overall theme of the series and the superb acting is what makes me so excited for Season 2, but if I'm being perfectly honest, my biggest driving force for so desperately wanting Season 2 is to see what the writers will throw at Beatrice next. I think she has more than proven she is capable enough to flawlessly nail whatever she is given. So, yes, Beatrice's story and the way Tonteri-Young portrays her is a big component surrounding my need for many more seasons of this brilliant show. That and the fact that as a total package, this show is incredibly well executed from the top down.
Ellys: Once I finished the first season and watched it a second time knowing where Beatrice's story was going, I connected more with her character. Earlier in the season, Beatrice was something of a cipher. She put up the least fight at first about being basically exiled and punished. The scene where she waits for the bus is perhaps my favorite moment from Tonteri-Young's performance. There are few things as complicated as making a decision that could affect every part of our lives in just a few seconds, and the entire weight of that decision is felt by us because of her performance. In this episode that she won for, I was moved by how reluctantly, almost nervously, at first Beatrice lets Ava see how the story is affecting her. The tears that we see Tonteri-Young shed makes it impossible for us to classify. Is it relief? Is it self-forgiveness? Are they hope? Are they just an outpouring of feelings she didn't realize she was holding? Either way, they are a gift that lets us see more of who Beatrice is and what her future might look like if she finds the acceptance and courage she longs for in that scene.
Jamie: In this episode it was her vulnerability and her patience that stood out. Tonteri-Young did a great job showing how the story of the Warrior Nun that Beatrice read affected the character. Her story impacted my impression of the show in a good way. I'd love to see more about Beatrice. So far, she's mostly been closed off, aside from her briefly confiding in Ava. This season was more focused on Ava's journey, I'd love to see the story focus on the other characters, including Beatrice, in future seasons.
MarÃa: The scene in which Sister Beatrice is telling Ava the story of Warrior Nun Melanie, who suffered Nazi persecution for being gay, let us see that she was in a similar situation, and was undoubtedly one of my favorites in this episode. It was the first time that we could know a little more about her, beyond her role within the Order, as we saw her more vulnerable. What I also liked about it and want to emphasize is that, despite being visibly affected by the story she was reading, she never lost the focus of her mission, which was to help Ava face her own demons to control her power. I really liked how Tonteri-Young managed to move through a different range of emotions in this single scene, which was very well achieved because, with just the minimum necessary volume in the music, we could concentrate on the words and expressions of the actress. I believe that the story of Sister Beatrice, as well as that of the rest of the Order, is just beginning to be explored. I do believe that we must have a continuation of what we saw in this first season.
What are your final thoughts on her winning this recognition?
Aimee: She deserves this and so much more. My first initial reaction to her winning was happiness because I felt like she truly deserved it. She is a part of an incredibly gifted cast and to be able to make a mark for herself while surrounded by so much talent is a testament to her capability as an actress. The raw vulnerability she brings to such a fierce badass character allows for a well-marbled contrast that just adds a special element to the character. I think there are big things in her future because of this role and I also hope that we will get to watch her portray Sister Beatrice for many years to come.
Ellys: As this goes to press, we just got word of the official renewal for Warrior Nun from Netflix. I would be remiss to leave without noting that this show is one with long term potential. Not only is the show blessed with powerful, magnetic performances such as Tonteri-Young's, but the story and characters lend themselves to volumes of exploration. The potential here is actually endless.
Jamie: This was a very deserved win. I had extremely low expectations from this show going into it. It just looked like a fun and badass show that seemed to be something I might like. As I quickly made my way through the season I found myself wanting more when I finished. Tonteri-Young's performance was a big part of that since Beatrice was one of my favorite characters. I very much hope that she can win this recognition again next season, which I don't doubt that she will.
MarÃa: I think it's interesting and it makes me happy that a very recent new series that could be relatively unknown, has garnered so much attention. I like it much more that an actress like Kristina Tonteri-Young can get this recognition for her work in her first major role. I think without a doubt this can generate more interest in her character and therefore in the show, and that this can help the story to be renewed for a second season.
In a single season, Tonteri-Young endeared Sister Beatrice to the audience, leaving everyone rooting for her. From the moment she stormed onto the screen, it was obvious that Beatrice and her portrayer were going to be ones to watch. Sister Beatrice is full of charismatic loyalty, she is the person any soldier would want to go into battle with, and her portrayer is a performer that any other performer would be lucky to go into a scene with, because it's clear she'd have their back. Tonteri-Young was given a unique coming out story to portray and that journey for her character is just starting. Because of her impeccable performance in the Sister Melanie story scene in Proverbs 14:1 and the later near-miss kiss, the writers didn't have to force Beatrice to prematurely verbally label herself, because Tonteri-Young declared more with her body language and performance than any words could have. The performance she delivered in this episode and throughout the season left a lasting impression. These are just a few of the reasons why Kristina Tonteri-Young is SpoilerTV's July Readers' Choice Performer of the Month.
Please use the comments to discuss all your favorite parts of Kristina Tonteri-Young's performance in Proverbs 14:1.
