Sleeping Beauty (18)

Drama

A haunting portrait of Lucy, a young university student drawn into a mysterious hidden world of unspoken desires.

More information on this production is available at www.sleepingbeautythefilm.com.

The critical consensus

Leigh’s film is crafted with controlled precision but still leaves you wondering exactly what she was trying to say.

(*) (*) (*) Allan Hunter, The List, 14/09/2011

This will divide audiences as much as The Tree Of Life, but it’s a brave and beautiful calling card for both filmmaker and star. Drink it up, sit back and think of a very different Australia.

(*) Anna Smith, Empire Online, 10/10/2011

An airless, lifeless experience despite the best efforts and intentions of its lead.

(*) (*) (*) Matt Bochenski, Little White Lies, 13/10/2011

Sleeping Beauty is no more than the sum of its parts, and the last part, the ending, is not entirely satisfying. But it is well acted and well made and Rachael Blake and Emily Browning, in their differing ways, carry off their parody mother-daughter relationship with complete confidence.

(*) (*) Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian, 13/10/2011

Sleeping Beauty was warmly received in Cannes where it was backed by Jane Campion, but back in autumnal Britain, it’s clear this emperor has no clothes, along with much of the cast.

(*) (*) (*) (*) Robbie Collin, The Telegraph, 13/10/2011

The film--although so very stylishly--promises a moment of truth that never quite arrives.

(*) (*) Antonia Quirke, Financial Times, 13/10/2011

It isn't an easy film to like, let alone enjoy, though Leigh's provocative view of objectification goes hand-in-hand with an undoubted cinematic eye.

Anthony Quinn, The Independent, 14/10/2011

Very, very, very boring.

(*) (*) (*) (*) (*) Chris Tookey, Daily Mail, 14/10/2011

I'm not sure what it means but it looks great and Browning deserves kudos for her brave role.

(*) (*) Daily Record, 14/10/2011

The dialogue is mostly laughable and delivered in the stilted manner of up-market softcore porn of the Emmanuelle and The Story of O variety, but it's far from erotic.

Philip French, The Observer, 16/10/2011

Overall, Leigh's debut has style, strangeness and distinction – yet for all its icy brilliance, Sleeping Beauty feels incomplete rather than truly enigmatic. But it's an intriguing piece, tantalising rather than a tease; it should keep you awake, at least.

Jonathan Romney, The Independent on Sunday, 16/10/2011

This is a brave, thoughtful, highly accomplished debut that rewards as much as it challenges.

(*) Total Film, 14/10/2011

It’s all rather ridiculous, and the film’s serious tone shouldn’t be mistaken for profundity.

(*) (*) (*) Alistair Harkness, The Scotsman, 18/11/2011