Sleeping Beauty

Sleeping Beauty

Year: 2011

Runtime: 104 mins

Director: Julia Leigh

Drama

Lucy, a struggling university student, takes on a desperate job as a "Sleeping Beauty" – a woman who falls asleep in a room and awakens as if no time has passed. Driven by financial hardship, she agrees to this unusual arrangement, where men visit her while she sleeps. The first man she encounters praises her youth and beauty, while the second reveals a darker, sadistic nature. Despite the unsettling experiences, Lucy continues to return to the room, compelled by her circumstances and the mystery surrounding the process.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Sleeping Beauty (2011)

Trace every key event in Sleeping Beauty (2011) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Lucy juggles multiple jobs

Lucy, a university student, balances various jobs to support herself, including working as a volunteer test subject in a medical research lab and serving coffee at a local café. She also takes on photocopying duties in an office, all while attempting to navigate her challenging living situation.

2

Introduced to Birdmann

Lucy encounters Birdmann, an indifferent man who becomes an unexpected source of comfort for her. Though she doesn't reciprocate his romantic feelings, spending time with him offers Lucy a brief escape from her troubles and a glimpse of happiness.

3

Lucy meets Clara

Lucy responds to an intriguing advertisement and meets Clara, who presents her with a lucrative job opportunity as a freelance server in lingerie. Clara reassures Lucy that she will not face compromising situations while working, setting Lucy on a peculiar new path.

4

Preparations for her first event

In preparation for her debut as a server, Lucy undergoes various beauty treatments and adopts the pseudonym 'Sarah.' Arriving at a formal dinner party, she finds herself in white lingerie while surrounded by clients dressed in darker, more mature attire.

Formal dinner party
5

First troubling encounter with Clara

After pocketing some cash from her first event, Lucy's relationship with Clara begins to take a darker turn. The initial fun fades as Clara's behavior hints at deeper issues within the workings of their new job.

6

Lucy at the country mansion

At a picturesque country mansion, Lucy is informed by Clara that she will soon be sedated after tea. This disorienting event takes a disturbing turn as Lucy lies unconscious, unaware of what is to transpire next.

Country mansion
7

Compromised and unconscious

As Lucy lies in bed, an older man is introduced to her despite Clara's reminder of the no-penetration policy. Bound in her unconscious state, the man disregards the rules and begins to touch her, setting a harrowing precedent.

8

Facing eviction and moving

Due to conflicts with her landlord and mounting financial issues, Lucy is forced to seek a more expensive apartment. This marks a significant shift in her already precarious living conditions, impacting her further.

9

Birdmann's tragic fate

After a series of troubling events, Lucy finds Birdmann has overdosed. In a moment filled with despair, she lies down beside him as he passes away, highlighting the tragic consequences of the life choices they both made.

10

Unexpected marriage proposal

At Birdmann's funeral, Lucy's emotional detachment leads a man to surprisingly refuse her marriage proposal. This moment captures her profound turmoil and disconnect from her surroundings after experiencing such trauma.

11

Job loss and deepening troubles

After losing her office job, Lucy spirals deeper into drug use and reckless choices, culminating in a troubling night with a coworker. Waking up next to him, she faces the reality of her deteriorating situation, escalating her desperation.

12

Determined to uncover Clara's secrets

Lucy becomes suspicious of Clara's activities and is determined to uncover what truly happens during her unconscious moments. Despite Clara's dismissal of Lucy's pleas to witness these events, Lucy becomes increasingly obsessed with finding answers.

13

Hidden camera strategy

In a bid to expose the truth, Lucy cleverly hides a camera in her mouth during one of the sessions. With her heart racing, she manages to set it in place just as the familiar older man arrives, unaware of her intention to capture evidence.

14

The man's final act

Lucy awakens the next morning to find the man next to her lifeless after having consumed tea laced with a higher dosage of sedative. This shocking twist reveals the extent of the horrors she has been unknowingly embroiled in.

15

A haunting ending

The film concludes with an unsettling image from Lucy's hidden camera, capturing the silence of the aftermath. This powerful, chilling juxtaposition of innocence and mortality leaves viewers to grapple with the dark journey Lucy undertook.

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 14:47

Unlock the Full Story of Sleeping Beauty

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Sleeping Beauty Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Sleeping Beauty, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Sleeping Beauty Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Sleeping Beauty

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Sleeping Beauty. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Sleeping Beauty

More About Sleeping Beauty

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More About Sleeping Beauty

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