Rent The Duke of Burgundy (2014)

Be nasty - spoilers follow ... - The Duke of Burgundy review by NP

I was initially drawn to this production due to the involvement of the mighty Monica Swinn, who had made many sexploitation and horror pictures throughout the 1970s and 1980s; this is her first main feature film since 'Les petites sauvages' (1982). That Swinn only features briefly and without dialogue is the only disappointment I have with 'The Duke of Burgundy'.

Named after the (Hamearis lucina) butterfly, this story features Cynthia (Sidse Babett Knudsen), who lectures on lepidopterology, and Evelyn (Chiara D'Anna), who appears to be not only one of her students, but her maidservant as well. Cynthia's strictness with Evelyn's hygiene and accuracy initially appears cruel and bullying, but as the standards become more outlandish, it is clear there is something else going on here. They are lovers, whilst Cynthia appears to be the dominating personality, it slowly become apparent it is Evelyn who is making the demands, and they soon become unrelenting. Uninterestingly, I mistook Evelyn's safe word 'pinastri' for a plea to 'be nasty.' Well, you never know.

Whilst you could dismiss this as two eccentric ladies squabbling amid truly breath-taking surroundings, the 104 minute run-time is filled with more interest than that. Events are by turn funny, mesmerising and ultimately strangely saddening, as the need to keep up the charade, as well as the possibility of encroaching age, becomes wearing and upsetting.

A study of love, and what people will do to preserve it, played for the main part as a two-hander between these extraordinary actors, is never overtly erotic: there is no nudity, for example. And yet there is a 'romantic' level of perversion on display, a strained relationship based on perceptions and sexual needs; and through it all, grumpy Lorna (Monica Swinn) is outside sweeping away the leaves and bad memories. You get the feeling she's seen and heard it all before: perfect casting! A fascinating piece. My score is 8 out of 10.

Indulgent nonsense - The Duke of Burgundy review by CP Customer

I really don't know what all the fuss is about this film. Yes it has some clever camera work and is filmed in a nice location which means that there are some landscapes, nature shots etc. but hey, I can go to an art museum if that's what i'm looking for. As to the 'story'... er, two middle aged lesbians one with particularly weird sexual needs and the other very accommodating YAWN!

Aesthetic cinema - The Duke of Burgundy review by PT

This film is an ultra classy art house vehicle. Beautifully shot with an unexpected storyline, it is funny, erotic, intense, sad and above all, intriguing. The two protagonists are superb, particularly Sidse Babett Knudsen who genuinely moved me with her performance. If you appreciate art house please give this a viewing.