Sleeping Beauty

In the complex tapestry of Lucy's (Emily Browning) existence, she navigates a multifaceted existence, juggling odd jobs that reveal both her resourcefulness and vulnerabilities. By day, she toils as a test subject at the university medical research lab, a barista at a coffee shop, and a photocopy clerk in an office; by night, she frequents a high-end bar, where she offers herself as a companion to those who can afford her services. Her landlord disapproves of her lifestyle, but Lucy finds solace in her occasional visits to Birdmann (Ewen Leslie), a reclusive individual who harbors a deep affection for her, even if she doesn't reciprocate his feelings.

Lucy's life takes a dramatic turn when she responds to an ad and meets Clara (Rachael Blake), who presents her with a peculiar proposition: freelance silver service in lingerie. Initially hesitant, Lucy is reassured that her experiences will be strictly platonic and agrees to don the persona of Sarah. As she undergoes beauty treatments to prepare for these encounters, Lucy finds herself increasingly entrenched in Clara's world.

At these formal dinner parties, Lucy is the sole representative of innocence and youth, clad in white lingerie amidst a sea of older women garbed in black. Her duties are limited to serving drinks and charming her clients with an effortless elegance. The allure of these events proves irresistible, and Lucy returns home each time with a substantial reward.

However, Clara's assistant Thomas (Eden Falk) soon extends an invitation to a different kind of engagement, one that Lucy must navigate with caution. Driven to a country mansion, Lucy is instructed by Clara to partake in a peculiar ritual: she will drink tea, succumb to a deep sleep, and then awaken beside the man who hosted her first dinner party. As Clara reminds him of the cardinal rule – no penetration – the two engage in a gentle, sensual intimacy that leaves Lucy feeling disoriented.

The consequences of these encounters soon come into sharp focus when Lucy is evicted from her humble abode and forced to rent a more luxurious apartment. The frequency and intensity of her sessions with Clara's clients continue to escalate, while Birdmann's presence remains a constant, if tumultuous, force in her life.

Tragedy strikes when Birdmann calls Lucy, his voice laced with desperation as he begs for help; it's too late, however, and she is left to mourn his passing. In the aftermath of his funeral, Lucy's grief proves shallow, as she turns her attention to securing a new partner – not through love or mutual respect, but rather through manipulation and coercion. Her acquaintance, taken aback by her audacity, rejects her advances, citing her character flaws and his own newly formed relationship.

As Lucy navigates the treacherous landscape of her own desires, she finds herself torn between her need for validation and her innate sense of self-worth. The consequences of her choices will continue to unfold in a narrative that is both poignant and unflinching in its portrayal of humanity's capacity for both beauty and ugliness.

As the curtain falls on Lucy's mundane office life, she finds herself at a crossroads. Her termination from the job serves as a catalyst for a series of events that will forever alter her perspective. In a bold move, Lucy purchases a discreet camera, its tiny form concealing a profound impact on her future. A night of reckless abandon with a colleague yields a morning after filled with regret and a pounding headache. Rushing to meet Clara for their assignment, Lucy's tardiness is palpable as she arrives at the scene.

As she lies down on the bed, Clara's initial reluctance to grant her wish is met with a surprising twist. The small camera, cleverly concealed in Lucy's mouth, awakens to capture the unfolding drama. With a calculated calm, Lucy activates the device and returns to her slumber, her plan hidden from prying eyes. The client, once again the enigmatic figure with whom she shared a tumultuous night, is back for another session. This time, however, he indulges in a potent elixir, its effects magnified by the larger dose.

The morning after brings a jarring reality as Clara's attempt to revive the client yields nothing but stillness. Her concern is palpable, yet it's Lucy who remains insensate, oblivious to the tragedy that has unfolded beside her. The sound of Clara's gentle mouth-to-mouth resuscitation eventually stirs Lucy from her slumber, only to find herself face to face with a lifeless corpse. A blood-curdling scream shatters the silence as the full weight of her actions crashes down upon her.

In the final frame, the camera that Lucy had cleverly installed captures the haunting tableau: the deceased client and the sleeping girl, both frozen in time, their fates forever entwined on the bed.