The Sleeping Beauty 2011
Directed by
Catherine Breillat
Made by
Strand Releasing
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of The Sleeping Beauty (2011). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
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.
Timeline
Track the key events of The Sleeping Beauty (2011) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Lucy Balances Her Hectic Life
Lucy, a university student, juggles multiple odd jobs ranging from volunteering as a test subject in a medical research lab to working at a coffee shop. Despite the chaos, she finds a semblance of happiness through her infrequent encounters with Birdmann, who remains emotionally distant from her.
Lucy Accepts a Job Offer
After responding to an intriguing ad, Lucy meets Clara, who presents her with a unique job opportunity: freelance silver service in lingerie. Clara assures Lucy that the job will not involve any penetration, and Lucy decides to accept the offer, eager for a change.
Preparation for Her First Event
Clara prepares Lucy for her first serving job by giving her beauty treatments, readying her to stand out at a formal dinner party. Dressed in white lingerie and surrounded by older women, Lucy feels a mix of excitement and apprehension as she steps into this new role.
Serving Drinks at the Dinner Party
At the dinner party, Lucy diligently serves drinks, aware of the stark contrast between her innocence and the harsh makeup of the older women around her. She performs her duties well, earning her pay and a strange sense of belonging, despite the unsettling atmosphere.
A Sinister Turn of Events
After completing another job, Lucy is taken to a secluded mansion by Clara's assistant, Thomas. There, she is offered tea, and after drinking it, she becomes unconscious, leading to a horrifying encounter as a man from the dinner party enters her room, violating the trust of their previous agreement.
Facing Eviction and Rising Costs
With impending eviction and the need for a new place, Lucy succumbs to renting a more expensive apartment, further straining her finances. This change adds to her stress as she navigates her life filled with questionable job choices and surroundings.
Tragic News About Birdmann
Lucy receives a devastating phone call from Birdmann, informing her of his overdose. Rushing to his side, she finds herself engulfed in grief as she witnesses his final moments, feeling helpless and despondent as she lies beside him in mourning.
Declining Proposals at the Funeral
At Birdmann's funeral, overcome with emotion, Lucy impulsively proposes to an acquaintance in a misguided attempt to find solace. Her proposal is met with shock and denial, highlighting her vulnerabilities and the disconnection she feels with those around her.
Spiraling Out of Control
After being fired from her office job, Lucy engages in reckless behavior, seeking distraction through drugs alongside a coworker. This decision leads her to wake up in a compromising situation, intensifying her feelings of isolation and desperation.
A Desperate Measure for Surveillance
Determined to understand her situation better, Lucy buys a hidden camera and covertly installs it during her next assignment with Clara. Her actions stem from a fear of being exploited again, showcasing her drive to regain some control over her life.
The Night of Horrors Unfolds
During her next assignment, the same man returns and Clara increases the dosage of the drug in his tea. When Lucy awakens the next morning, she is horrified to discover the lifeless body of the man next to her, leaving her to grapple with the shocking implications.
The Aftermath of Awakening
Panicked, Clara tries to wake Lucy, resorting to mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Lucy awakens to the grim reality, filled with shock and dread as she processes the lifeless man beside her and the dark turn her life has taken.
A Haunting Conclusion
The film concludes with a haunting image captured by Lucy's hidden camera, documenting the chilling juxtaposition of the naked deceased man and the sleeping girl. It serves as a stark reminder of the film's dark themes of exploitation, despair, and the loss of innocence.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring The Sleeping Beauty (2011) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Lucy
Lucy is a complex character struggling to balance her academic life and various odd jobs to make ends meet. Her journey is marked by vulnerability, resilience, and a deep desire for connection, which is often thwarted by the manipulative behavior of those around her. Despite her hardships, Lucy's naivety and emotional depth shine through as she seeks both love and validation.
Birdmann
Birdmann is a reclusive figure whom Lucy finds solace in, serving as a representation of her longing for emotional connection amidst her turbulent life. His tragic fate highlights the theme of despair and loss that looms over Lucy. His character adds a layer of complexity to Lucy's emotional landscape as she navigates grief and longing.
Clara
Clara serves as a catalyst for Lucy's descent into exploitation, representing the allure and dangers of manipulation. While she offers Lucy a unique job opportunity, she simultaneously embodies the darker aspects of control and deceit. Her character blurs the line between mentor and predator, illustrating the complexities of relationships in the world of exploitation.
Setting
Uncover the settings of The Sleeping Beauty (2011), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The movie presents a contemporary setting, where modern themes of vulnerability, consent, and societal expectations intertwine amidst the characters' struggles. Lucy's various jobs reflect present-day economic challenges faced by young adults attempting to find their place in the world.
Location
High-end bar, University campus, Country mansion
The high-end bar serves as a backdrop for Lucy's complex social interactions, where she navigates the worlds of companionship and emotional distance. The university campus highlights her struggles as a student juggling multiple jobs. The secluded country mansion stands as a symbol of isolation, where dark secrets and exploitation unfold.
Themes
Explore the core themes of The Sleeping Beauty (2011). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Exploitation
Exploitation is a central theme, depicted through Lucy's passive acceptance of her job and the predatory behavior of those around her. Her role as a service provider in intimate situations raises questions about consent and agency. The chilling climax underscores the dangers of neglecting personal autonomy.
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Despair
Despair permeates Lucy’s journey as she grapples with loss, eviction, and toxic relationships. Her spiral into recklessness illustrates the psychological toll of her experiences. The film poignantly captures her emotional struggle against the backdrop of external pressures.
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Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is explored through Lucy's increasing reliance on drugs to escape her grim reality. The film examines how escapism can lead to further degradation. This theme serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of the human psyche amid overwhelming circumstances.
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