Deborah Hebel

Like others, i thought this a powerful, beautifully acted scripted movie and with an unexpected and new theme ( thank goodness). Yes, Emily did start her journey understanding the perceived and innate threat to Luke's masculinity. If she had navigated this with care rather than become condescending and alpha in her behaviour, the adjustment in their relationship might have facilitated a different outcome. Luke did struggle and had the awareness to realise that and start proactive steps to address his feelings, not assisted at this point by Emily's behaviour toward him. Luke made several attempts to say " Stop" at this point to her drinking, to her humiliation of him and her voracious sexual demands. She showed neither empathy, concern or respect. I found it uncomfortable when having received her bonus, she used words like " my treat" and " let me buy Mollie". She might not have sent it, but it was in her head. How sad. With different thinking, what could such money do to support a team? At this point, her partner her lover, was struggling with his emotions and knew they were inappropriate . Where was she? Where her emotions pretty. No. Luke then unravelled becoming drunk, immature and irresponsible and somewhat spiteful. He had only hurt himself at this point. Emily was quick to lie to her boss to protect herself. Then she smashed a beer bottle over his head! Are we not all still falling into stereotypes by ignoring that? Then the end! Having assaulted him physically, she then demeans his masculinity again in the WC. The sex started consensually, urgently, and unhealthily and progressed to Luke not responding to her genuine request for it to "stop" and the hurt it caused her. Did this justify in any way her threat to his life, the deliberate humiliation she chose to inflict? Which dominant behaviour was more palatable? The one that assaulted her or the one where she decided to threaten his existence on the planet unless he grovelled. Isn't that the message in this powerful movie.? Mutual, careful, respectful acknowledgement and power are opposing forces. One could have avoided all the pain. The other caused it. One is fear and an attempt at control. The other is love and true power. There are fundamental differences between the sexes. Love can allow us to negotiate around them using mutual empathy, understanding and care. We should never "take it" but if we (all genders) disrespect each other...... it appears it does bite, and the snowball begins.