Climax

This is the first movie I've ever watched that almost made me physically ill. It's nihilistic, ugly, erotic, and so devoid of humanity I almost screamed partway through the 40+ minute shot just to get some of the feelings out.

At the same time it's a beautiful tour de force with the most visceral dance sequences on film. There are moments of shocking beauty within the chaos. And, most surprisingly of all, it somehow manages to avoid exploitation in any form.

This is my first - and probably last - Noe film. I have purposefully chosen not to watch Noe before now. Noe is who Lars Von Trier wishes he could be: dark, subversive, and shocking to the core without cheap gimmicks or an ego visible in every frame. Noe sees brutality and finds beauty, not just because of but in spite of.

This isn't a fun movie. If you're unsure if you should watch it, don't. And if you do, watch it sober and with something light as an immediate chaser.