San Diego Reader

Less a film than an attractively illustrated chronicle of sexual pathology. Brandon (Michael Fassbender) needs sex and lots of it — with whores, with pickups, with his hand. Pretty much anything, really, as long as the encounter is impersonal. The pathology does not tolerate humanity. But humanity arrives in the form of Brandon’s sister (Carey Mulligan, who has her own issues written right into her wrists), and things begin to get complicated. Director Steve McQueen keeps a controlled eye on the proceedings, with a moody, muted feeling almost to the end. 2011.

— Matthew Lickona

• Rated NC-17 | 1 hour, 39 minutes
• Official website

This movie is not currently in theaters.