Black Swan is a cinematic triumph, bringing a modern day twist to the well-loved Grimm’s Fairy tale style of story telling. Darren Aronofsky, director (Requiem for A Dream, The Wrestler) will have you holding your breath as he takes you into the fascinatingly beautiful and complicated world of prima ballerina, Nina (Natalie Portman). Natalie Portman holds nothing back as she slowly reels you into her startling, repressed, emotionally charged inner world. Aronofsky has skillfully interwoven the very sensual world of the ballet with the passion of the individuals who inhabit it.

Tchaikovsky’s music transports us onto the stage and into the heart of this powerful tale. Expert crafting of the main characters and magnificent costuming bring powerful authenticity to the story. Vincent Cassel as Thomas Leroy portrays the ballet company’s artist director. We suffer with Nina as he exerts his relentless hold upon the fragile dancer. Mila Kunis as the understudy Lily and Barbara Hershey as Nina’s mother bring riveting performances to the screen.

Expect nominations for this one.

Moira Romano