Brilliant and interesting - depending on your open mindedness

Rating: 9/10 (15 February 2018)

I've seen a lot of criticism of this film - mostly from people who seem to take the goings-on literally, as if its a standard home-invasion thriller that goes 'incomprehensibly artsy'. Its clearly an impressionist piece that certainly makes a very strong impression - and among all the other bland and horrifically boring films out there, its beyond me that anyone could bash Aronofsky for going against the grain.
The script is subtle and effective. If you have any leanings towards feminism and concepts of gaslighting, male dominance, gender inequalities in relationships, then you'll squirm with how effectively the layers start to build. There is no let-up - it builds, and builds, and builds, until it pushes you completely off the edge. It ties it all to themes of circular causality, how primal instinct struggles to ever find its place.
I got so caught up in the central characters frustrations that towards the end, there were moments that had me in tears, where I actually wanted to sob. I can't say it was a pleasant experience, but I applaud Aronofsky for doing something different.
If I have one criticism, is that Aronofsky's approach is very masculine, in terms of how visceral and extreme he takes it. I'd loved to have seen the same ideas explored by a female writer/director. My fear is that some of the points and ideas raised about male dominance will be buried and distracted away from by the more extreme moments and eventual climax.
Overall though, a great film, with excellent production design, camerawork and sound design.