A masterful study of the shadow

Rating: 10/10 (11 February 2016)

This is exceptional film making that, like most really well put together film, supports ever deepening appreciation on subsequent viewings.
After early suggestions of shadows at play, from a well paced, seemingly innocuous start, the film takes several rapid left turns, punctuated with passionate and erotic twists, drawing us deeper into a squirm-in-your-seat psychological thriller - not a genre or feeling I myself seek or generally enjoy - but this is seductive filming, building steadily to a powerful and sublime climax that is richly satisfying.
The film is evocatively and masterfully shot, full of subtlety, richness and depth. The supporting cast are absolutely flawless in their roles. Portman nails the part - is the part - embodying it metaphorically, psychologically, and in some sense literally.
The dance itself is effective, though not, per se the focus of the film, so much as the unnerving character study and exploration of the shadow we all posses, or possesses us, and ultimately, the power in transformation.
Powerful lighting, direction, edgy score - the overall gestalt is a film where the sum creates something greater than its component parts - the alchemical art of film making.