A trek through medieval Italy to rescue your beloved as the knight-errant Aeta begins with a raid, death, and a missing postulant – Bianca, your best friend and maybe something more. 1348 Ex Voto presents itself as a journey of devotion to rescue your kidnapped childhood friend, with clear romantic undertones between the two women, stirring excitement amongst the sapphic community. Except, as I settle into my role as Aeta, and begin my search for Bianca, I find myself slowly losing the will to do just that.
Ex Voto has a strong beginning. Bianca goads Aeta into a playful spar, and I can almost overlook the horrifying facial animations that make both of them speak with their bottom teeth, with Bianca – played superbly by Jennifer English – appearing as though she is a corpse being puppeted. Aeta's animations are less extreme, as her face is usually pinched in determination, with Alby Baldwin successfully portraying Aeta's iron will and naivety.
