The country is also Australia and the film is Sleeping Beauty.
When I first read about this film I thought it was going to be an interpretation of the beloved fairy tale. But with further reading and with the release of the film I read more into the story, thank goodness. I can tell you now it is most definitely NOT like the fairy tale nor does it resemble the fairy tale. This is an original and disturbing story.
I wanted to watch it after I saw the trailer and for the simple reason, I wanted to know what happened when she slept.
The story is about student Lucy who short on money to say the least. She has several odd jobs and it is insinuated she is also a prostitute, presumably so she can pay rent and her tuition. She answers an advertisement in the newspaper and is then invited to a strange interview where she is examined by Clara and explained the job she is to perform. Lucy acts as a freelance silver service in lingerie, serving at quiet, disturbing lavish dinner parties. After serving at another party, Lucy is called in by Clara with a different request. For this job she must be completely sedated. After a few more times, Lucy wants to know what happens to her when she sleeps.
The film ends on a strange note leaving you feeling unsatisfied and uneasy. There is not abrupt ending, just a long fade to black and an almost static shot. I wanted to know what happened next, what happened to Lucy. There isn't even room to wonder because the final dialogue is just a scream.
The film is very elegant and easy on the eye, meaning the colours and tone of the shots are easy to look at. This is a contrast to the bare script. This isn't a bad thing but there are a few plot holes which bothered me while watching the film. I did feel like I could have had more information about Lucy and the people she meets. The mystery of the organisation that Clara works for as well as her nameless clients works so well. You don't need names for the characters, their actions and dialogue express them character for them. If that makes sense.
Over all an odd film. A very different kind of Australian film.
End Line: Disturbing fairy tale-esque with an obvious caution.
Next: Wales, Iceland, Japan, Mexico, Sweden, New Zealand, Romanian & Hungarian