Really went into this believing it was an erotic thriller but most of it is just light submissive stuff with an overlay of female empowerment--or it would seem anti empowerment as it's the woman who secretly wants to be "told what to do." There is no thriller here, just a drama about someone cheating, and cheating and cheating, only because of fantasies that run counter to their mainstream life.
The director, be she gay or not, is, among other things, a therapist, which is probably why the acting is first rate but there is also a lot of talk and role playing. The only nudity is from Kidman that seems rather strange and the whole thing has a sell out twist that makes it all very safe. By that I mean that Kidman's character runs a corporation yet is sexually unfufilled despite what seems a happy marriage and kids--one of whom is either gay or trans--possibly. So the story concept seems to be teasing the idea of does this powerful woman secretly want to be helpless in order to be sexually happy? An edgy topic for sure.
The bulk of the movie, too much, are the sex scenes though mostly it's about her being told to do things, like drink milk from a cat bowl. The movie wallows in this stuff, perhaps fan of submission will enjoy it on that level, why not? But the story, especially the ending, doesn't come off in any kind of supportive or sympathetic way. As can be the case this movie settles for a women good, men bad ending, leaving behind some interesting and challenging elements along the way. And it's a long way, there is little plot and the ending when it finally comes is rather rushed.
Kidman is well cast and all the actors make the material more interesting, if ultimately not compelling, for longer than would be possible. Banderas as her husbands role should realy be larger.
Another thing is a fair amount of wealth porn, both Kidman and Bandaras are super rich. This fights against some connection the audience could have for them, but instead you'll find yourself saying, "Wow, nice Pool. Wow, nice office. Wow, he's a broadway play director. Wow nice wardrobe!
Interesting use of music and songs which is very loud and starts and stops abruptly. A lot of shallow focus, the opening shot is effective and unusual, but this lack of focus is distracting as it goes on, having things pull in and out of focus, there are moments where one eye is in focus and not the other, it's just not very well shot and feels a bit like video. Kidman sometimes looks great and sometimes aging, which if controlled could fit into the story very neatly, but it seems more an accident of how it was lit and shot, not intent.
So again, this is NOT A THRILLER. It's slightly highminded arthouse sexploitation film, if that's what you're looking for you'll find this most satisfying.
