Tilda Swinton plays a rock star who’s relaxing with her boyfriend (Matthias Schoenaerts) on a remote Italian island, while recovering from throat surgery. Their erotic retreat is upended when one of her exes (Ralph Fiennes) shows up with his daughter (Dakota Johnson). There’s not a straight-ahead plot here, only a group of people enjoying the getaway…at first, at least. An undercurrent of attraction and jealousy adds to the tension that develops. As always, Swinton is thoroughly compelling (even though she barely speaks) and Fiennes shows a crazy energy that’s both stimulating and creepy. This is unmistakably a foreign film: the interaction of the characters holds an enigmatic depth that’s explored thru subtle, unhurried direction by Luca Guadagnino (“I Am Love,” also starring Swinton). There’s also quite a bit of casual nudity. Enjoyable, enthralling yet uncomfortable.
(3.5 / 5)