Essene (1972): cast, story & where to watch

1972 · Film · ★ 6.5

Essene poster

Released in 1972, Essene is a documentary film directed by Frederick Wiseman, running about 86 minutes.

What it’s about. Essene is about daily life in a Benedictine monastery and the resolution of conflict between personal needs and the institutional and organizational priorities of the community. In the Order, where the focus of life is the relationship of individual work and worship to the community as a whole, the brethren must cope with the same issues that arise in any community: rules, work, worship, values, love, and play.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.5/10, Essene has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Essene page.

If you liked it. Fans of Essene tend to enjoy One Direction: This Is Us, Burn the Stage: The Movie, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself - Japan Edition and Senna.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch Essene (1972)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for Essene change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is Essene worth watching?
Essene holds an audience score of 6.5 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy documentary. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
When was Essene released?
Essene was released in 1972, with a runtime of about 86 minutes.