Black Swan

Creepy...and then some. This is a beautiful, elegant film that also happens to be a fast-paced, psychological thriller. Who would have thought someone could make a movie about ballet so disturbing? Natalie Portman's performance as Nina may very well win her an Oscar this year. She basically plays two characters in the same body; a fragile, innocent perfectionist that is brilliant as the White Swan, and a careless, dark and free Black Swan. Throughout the film she slowly transforms herself from one to the other in haunting ways. Portman's facial expressions combined with lots of close-up camera shots and constant Swan Lake music are what gives this film an eerie undertone. On the surface it is just a dedicated young woman realizing her dream of getting to play the Swan Queen in Swan Lake. Underneath it is so much more disturbing. There are elements of mental instability and self-destruction that will leave you with shivers and goosebumps...no pun intended.

Mila Kunis as Lily

The film also stars Mila Kunis as Lily, Nina's competition, and Vincent Cassel as the ballet coach. Mila Kunis is also nominated for both a Golden Globe and SAG award for the film in the best supporting actress category. I highly recommend this film as one of the must sees of the holiday season, especially if you are planning to tune into the Globes and the SAG's in January. This is one of the most nominated films so far. Though I will add that if you are not a scary movie/thriller type of person you may not enjoy it. But I always encourage people to think outside their favorite genre and give new movies a try. You might be surprised by what you end up liking.

Overall rating: 9 out of 10