Sister Juniya’s womb plays a very important role in Dark Nuns, both symbolically and in the actual events of the film. From the beginning, it is made clear that she has terminal uterine cancer, which means she only has six months to live. This condition is not just a physical illness but also something that deeply affects her emotionally. The demon Gamigin constantly taunts her about it, reminding her that she can never have children. This is a painful reality for her, and the way the demon keeps bringing it up suggests that it is trying to break her spirit. In many horror movies, demons attack people’s biggest fears or weaknesses, and for Juniya, her womb represents something she has lost—the ability to create life. However, as the film progresses, it becomes clear that her womb is not just a source of pain but also something that holds great power.
One of the main themes in Dark Nuns is the idea of “demon spawns,” which are people born from possessed mothers. Juniya is revealed to be one, which means she has a special connection to the supernatural. She can hear spirits even though she is hearing impaired, which is something that makes her different from regular people. This background makes her a strong character in the fight against demons, but it also means she is a potential target. Since demon spawns have unique abilities, they are often used by demons for their own purposes. This could be why Gamigin is so interested in Juniya’s womb. Even though she is physically unable to have children, her spiritual connection makes her a powerful vessel. If the demon cannot use her to bring another demon spawn into the world, then the next best option is to take over her body entirely.
The scene where blood starts dripping down Juniya’s leg during the exorcism is one of the most powerful moments in the film. It is a clear reminder of her illness, but it also signals the moment when she decides to sacrifice herself. Rather than allowing Hee-Joon to die or be permanently possessed, she chooses to absorb the demon into herself. This is a major turning point because it shows that she is no longer just fighting against her illness—she is using it as a weapon. The demon thinks it is defeating her by forcing itself into her body, but in reality, she is making the ultimate decision to trap it inside her, ensuring that it cannot harm anyone else. This is a very tragic moment because she is embracing what was once her greatest weakness and turning it into her final act of heroism.
Another important detail is how the church and the priests view Juniya’s situation. Because she is a nun, she is not allowed to perform exorcisms, and she is constantly told that she is stepping out of line. The priests refuse to see her as someone who has the ability to fight demons, even though she proves time and time again that she is stronger than any of them. This reflects the way women in religious settings are often treated as secondary to men, even when they are capable of doing more. In the end, it is Juniya—not the priests—who saves Hee-Joon, proving that the church’s rules do not always align with what is actually right.
The demon’s obsession with her womb can also be seen as a representation of control. In many horror films, demons try to possess or manipulate women’s bodies, especially when it comes to childbirth or motherhood. This is often tied to the idea that a woman’s worth is linked to her ability to have children. The fact that Juniya cannot have children is something the demon uses to attack her, but she does not let it define her. Instead, she takes control of her own fate, making a decision that no one else could. She does not let the church decide for her, and she does not let the demon decide for her either.
By the time the film reaches its final moments, it is clear that Juniya’s womb was never just about her illness. It was a symbol of both vulnerability and strength. The demon targeted it because it saw it as a weakness, but in the end, it became the very thing that led to its downfall. Her sacrifice is heartbreaking, but it is also empowering because she refuses to let anyone else dictate what happens to her body. Instead of allowing the demon to continue its destruction, she traps it within herself and embraces death on her own terms. This makes her one of the most compelling and tragic heroes in the The Priests universe, and it leaves a lasting impact on both the characters and the audience.