Stylish, sensual and smart, a hauntingly beautiful film that explores the complexities of love and power from Peter Strickland.
Set in a secluded, almost fairy tale world where the boundaries between fantasy and reality blur. It follows the intense relationship between two women, Cynthia and Evelyn. Portrayed by Sidse Babett Knudsen and Chiara D'Anna, entomologists whose seemingly idyllic life on a rural palatial estate overloaded with dusty books and specimens, is fraught with tension and unspoken desires. As their relationship delves deeper into intricate power dynamics, the film becomes a mesmerising portrayal of human relationships.
The film’s departure from conventional storytelling and its deep exploration of the themes of control and desire have led to widespread acclaim. It is also praised for managing to create an erotic queer film, that manages to mainly eschew the male gaze as it features no male characters at all.
The intriguing plot is also dressed up with much cinematic finery, with elaborate art direction and an intelligent use of camera and framing, making for a visually rich and tactile film with two beautifully observed, subtle performances at its centre.
DIRECTOR: Peter Strickland
CAST: Sidse Babett Knudsen, Chiara D'Anna, Monica Swinn, and Eugenia Caruso
YEAR: 2014
COUNTRY: UK/Belgium/Hungary
PROJECTION FORMAT: Digital
DURATION: 104 mins
Age Guidance
18
