Nina struggles with the demands of the role convincing herself that despite being perfect for the role of the white swan she is not suited to play the black swan of the title as well. The film follows her struggle and descent into paranoia and self destruction as she, like the ballet she is performing in, transforms.

Both Barbara Hershey as Nina’s protective mother and Mila Kunis as free-spirited and uninhibited Lily (everything Nina is not) give stand-out performances. Innocence and sensuality collide as Nina tries to make the part of the swan queen her own.

I have to admit that I was uncertain about seeing ‘Black Swan’ but I am glad that I did. In the same way ‘The Wrestler’ is not just about wrestling this is not just about ballet. Rather it is an absorbing and often unsettling character study. I winced on several occasions as Nina suffers both mentally and physically whilst preparing for her role, it does not help that she also self-harms. This is definitely not one for the squeamish! There are scenes involving drug use as well as a much talked about lesbian scene between Nina and Lily, but it never becomes gratuitous and is central to the plot.

The final thirty or so minutes are mesmerising when reality becomes blurred and the audience gets drawn further into Nina’s delusional and disturbing world. The ballet is brilliantly choreographed and executed and the film as a whole is notable for its striking visuals and breathtaking surprises as Nina becomes obsessed in her quest for perfection. ‘Black Swan’ lingers in the mind long after the end credits and it is easy to see why it has been nominated for so many awards. For original noir filmmaking this is highly recommended.