Black Swan Review- Dark and sexy film starring Natalie Portman

I waited so long for this film to be on Red box, I was sure I was going to be let down. I was wrong. This film is edgy, a little dark, sensual, and surprising.

Plot

Black Swan is the story of Nina Sayers (Natalie Portman), a shy, yet obsessive ballerina. Nina is desperate to earn a lead role in her company's production of Swan Lake. Nina auditions and almost does not get the part, until she visits the director Thomas Leroy (Vincent Cassel) in his office and surprises him.

It is evident Thomas is not confident in his decision to cast Nina in the lead role, and he openly criticises her during rehearsals. As if that were not enough, a new dancer known only as Lily (Mila Kunis), has joined the company,and Thomas appears taken with her. Here is where it is a little more evident that Nina has a crush on Thomas, and she begins to obsess over the new girl. To further complicate matters Nina's home life is less than ideal, her mother Erica (Barbara Hershey), although supportive of her career, is clingy and suffocating. Every move Nina makes is followed closely by Mommy Dearest. Erica holds it over Nina's head that she gave up her own dance career to raise Nina.

When the lead ballerina Beth MacIntyre (Winona Ryder) is tossed out of the Company, for being too old, it creates more conflict for Nina, who is stepping into the role. It comes to a head after a celebration where Nina is announced. Beth accuses Nina of performing sexual favors to get the lead. Nina is disturbed by this confrontation- she feels sorry for Beth - and wonders if she could find herself in Beth's place someday.

In Summary

As a viewer, you feel for Nina as she struggles to grasp the concept of sensuality and seduction. These concepts seem foreign to Nina, at least until a visit from her rival, and a night out on the town, changes things. Nina stumbles into her sexuality gradually throughout the film until she finally let's go enough to embrace it. At the same time her persona is changing and she is slowly transforming herself to become what she believes Thomas wants. Leading up to a final, shocking climax that leaves the viewer both bewildered and sad.

Black Swan is one of those films that keeps you guessing, you can't be sure of the outcome, even though you may feel you know it. Natalie Portman nails her performance, and her character really draws the viewer in emotionally. You want Nina to prevail, and keep the prize she fought so hard to gain. Black Swan keeps you on the edge of your seat. I love when a film is unpredictable. The film is Rated R and with good reason. There is a fair amount of nudity and sexuality. It is now available on Red box, pay-per-view, and for purchase in stores on DVD and Blue Ray.