The Sleeping Beauty

Lucy, portrayed by Emily Browning, is a university student juggling multiple odd jobs. From volunteering as a test subject in the university’s medical research lab to working at a coffee shop and managing photocopies in an office, she leads a hectic life. On top of that, she frequents a high-end bar, offering her companionship as a sex partner. Her landlord has little regard for her, yet she finds solace in the company of the distant Birdmann, played by Ewen Leslie. Despite not returning his affections, her time with him brings her more happiness than any of her other interactions.

One day, Lucy responds to an intriguing ad and meets Clara, portrayed by Rachael Blake, who offers her a unique job opportunity: freelance silver service in lingerie. Lucy accepts the unusual offer with the assurance from Clara that penetration would not be involved during these encounters. Clara insists on calling her Sarah and prepares her with beauty treatments before her first event. At the formal dinner party, Lucy stands out in her white lingerie, surrounded by older women in black, their harsh makeup contrasting sharply with her innocence. She serves drinks throughout the evening, earning her pay before returning home.

After completing another serving job, Lucy receives a call from Clara’s assistant, Thomas. He drives her to a secluded country mansion where Clara hints that Lucy will soon slip into a deep slumber after drinking tea. The next scene unfolds with Lucy unconscious in bed, as the host from her previous dinner party enters, adhering to the non-penetration rule. Disturbingly, he begins to caress her body as he settles next to her.

Things take a turn for the worse when Lucy faces eviction from her current accommodation and ends up renting a more expensive apartment. After a couple more sessions with Clara, she receives a devastating call from Birdmann—he has overdosed, and Lucy rushes to his side as he breathes his last. In a moment of despair, she climbs into bed with him, crying without attempting to save him. At his funeral, she shockingly proposes to an acquaintance, who, taken aback, declines due to a new relationship and points out Lucy’s numerous flaws.

Struggling with her circumstances, Lucy is fired from her office job and buys a hidden camera. She spirals further into reckless behavior, indulging in drugs with a coworker and waking up in a compromising situation. Her tardiness leads to a confrontation with Clara, whom Lucy asks about witnessing the sessions while she’s asleep. Clara, concerned about potential blackmail risks, refuses her request. However, Lucy’s determination leads her to secretly install the camera in her mouth during her next assignment.

This time, the same man from before returns, and Clara administers an even larger dose of the sleeping drug in his tea. The following morning, Clara checks on him, showing no surprise when he fails to awaken. Panicking, she then attempts to wake Lucy, ultimately relying on mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to revive her. Upon awakening to the grim reality of the naked dead man beside her, Lucy’s horror culminates in a chilling scream.

The film closes with a harrowing image captured by Lucy’s hidden camera: the stark juxtaposition of the deceased man and the sleeping girl, encapsulating the dark themes of exploitation and despair.

Last Updated: November 04, 2024 at 00:36