Nathan White

Stunning. Heartbreaking. Vicious. Beautiful. Terrifying. Dark. Brutal. Above all it is humane. Gaspar Noe's unmatched power study of darkness and light based around the choices we make and horrifying consequences which can await us. Most can't stomach the sheer brutality at play here. It is a stark reminder life is not promised. Only offered and we are under the illusion of control. Fate awaits us all. This cut is the original vision where we literally watch a nightmare unfold backwards and are left to deconstruct what we have just seen. Two graphic scenes of violence and carnage weave the fabric of the simple story of a wealthy young couple and their friend (her ex) who go to a party only for one tragic decision to irreparably change their lives forever. The dialogue in the film and the plot were literally improvised based off a simple pitch to actors Monica Bellucci and Vincent Casell by director Gaspar Noe. A Visually stunning, dizzying and almost unbearable first half is without doubt the most intense and bold cinema you will likely ever see. TWo things you won't forget 1. Fire extinguishers and the human face do not mix 2. Monica Bellucci is quite possibly the bravest actress in recent memory. I won't describe the scene in question except to say if you survive it, nothing in cinema will ever rattle you again. It is the gold standard for going beyond the call of duty as an actress. I can't recommend it to the casaul cinema goer. It is for the brave only. It is deeply divisive and has some questionable portrayals of the gay underground culture but it will make you think for a very long time after it ends. Me personally I was deeply moved.