2011 / 101m - Australia
Drama, Mystery
3.0*/5.0*
Sleeping Beauty poster

Plot: Lucy is a university student who struggles to make ends meet. She goes to bars to prostitute herself, but one day she comes across an intriguing ad in the paper. She solicits for the job, a peculiar take on an escort service. It pays well and she is well-protected, in exchange for discretion.

Watches

December 08, 2024

3.0*/5.0*

A film that's a bit difficult to categorize. In a way, it reminded me of Kubrick's Eyes Wide Shut, only more low-key and drama-driven. There is a layer of mystery here that runs throughout, but ultimately Sleeping Beauty is about Lucy and the somewhat odd job she takes on in order to survive.

Browning is perfectly cast, while Leigh's direction is gentle but unflinching (it's a good thing this was directed by a woman). The setup is intriguing and the pacing is pleasant. Despite its risqué content, the film is still a little underwhelming though, as it lacks a sense of urgency and its emotional core feels underdeveloped. An interesting film regardless.