Darren Aronofsky's twisted tale is both gripping and uncompromising, and not without the genuine performance by Natalie Portman

Rating: 9/10 (2 August 2017)

This Darren Aronofsky piece is a bleak and twisted tale focusing on the dark side of the world of ballerina, and far from ways you would to expect. It is an uncompromising character study of a woman who dreams to landing her dream role in a ballet are pushing to grueling limits, both psychological and physical. With Aronofsky's signature directing style operating the wheel, this film leans far from your average melodrama. There are shades of both horror and fantasy soaring through the atmosphere, drawing reminiscence of David Lynch. In this case, it is safe to classify this as a psychological thriller. How can a film about women dancing and prancing around in tutus slide into such bizarre territory? That is where Aronofsky's visual storytelling and gripping testament of psychological warfare come into play The director treats ballet as not just an art form, but as a blood sport with tragic consequences. The pinnacle of this dark, albeit intriguing tale is Natalie Portman who manages to shine high above nearly everything Aronofsky brings to life on screen. This film follows Nina Sayers (played by Natalie Portman), a New York City ballerina living with her overbearing and manipulative mother (played by Barbara Hershey). When Nina auditions for the role of the Black Swan for the musical 'Swan Lake', she manages to impress director Thomas Leroy (played by Vincent Cassel). However, he believes she lacks the sensuality for the role of Black Swan and instead hands her the role of White Swan, replacing an aging ballerina Beth Macintyre (played by Winona Ryder). Meanwhile, the role of the Black Swan handed over to newcomer Lily (played by Mila Kunis). As the premier of the musical approaches, Nina and Lily form a mysterious friendship that spirals into a twisted rivalry of both try desperately to outdo each other. Soon, Nina pushes herself to the point of losing her sanity.
Darren Aronofsky's never holds back when portraying his sobering testament on how obsession to surpass one's quality can destroy both your inner and outer being. While he does have the tendency to take things over the top with his surreal imagery on just a few occasions, there is never a moment that feels squandered by any means. Opening up an electrifying ballet sequence shot by beautifully by Matthew Libatique, this film revolves around a character study of a woman who's psychological limits are tested by her obsession to land the role of her dreams, and does so by not just splashing us in the face of emotional resonance but presenting the action through a gripping methodology of visual storytelling. His inspiring methods allow for some dark twists and astounding surprises that leave us questioning what is real and what is not real. Is Nina living an unforgiving nightmare? Or is her obsession with competing against Lily driving her to the brink of mental insanity. Could it be both? Those are thoughts that keep us glued to our seats as we sit back to admire not only the absorbing atmosphere of the world of ballerina seemingly gone mad, but the captivating performances the cast brings to the table. Natalie Portman swallows up the role with tour-de-force versatility and complexity, a performance that allows her to expand her acting chops to astonishing boundaries. She simply grabs you by the heart and fails to let go. Vincent Cassel is genuine in his role as well, banking in sheer humanity and fortitude. It would also be a shame not to mention Mila Kunis's effort in her role. Each minute she and Portman are on screen, their chemistry is powerful, almost spellbinding -- especially in a shocking, yet erotic scene when the two engage in steamy sexual intercourse. There is a certain erotica behind their performances that keeps these actresses shining, not in a way to fulfill viewers' perverted desires but to pervade a sense of eeriness in their relationship. Although their friendship-turned- rivalry is a working hand at keeping the story on fire, it is Natalie Portman's Nina Sayers and her emotionally bleak deterioration into self-destructiveness that works the core of the film.
Black Swan is a twisted, surreal, yet gripping psychological drama piece grounded by an uncompromising directorial methodology by Darren Aronofsky and performances by both Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis that simply demand for your attention. As this soars with Aronofsky's trademark style, this film will most certainly not please everyone. If you were uncomfortable by the relentlessly bleak imagery and material of Aronofsky's previous works, you may want to give this one a pass. Otherwise, come see what he has to offer here.