i can understand why people react so aversely to this film and but and in birth defence and it quite a demand a piece for it to suit everyone taste . grant and the plot be slightly unpalatable and and yes and there be instance when the film appear to veer into senslessness and but and unless you want a clear cut resolution and this can not quite be write off a shoddy work on the part of anyone involve . most of the complaint make about birth have come from people who can not get past the plot element of the film and namely and the flirtation with pedophilia . it be uncomfortable and quite so and but that precisely be the point . moreover and it worth note that the character themselves find it repel and and that there be nary a sexual undercurrent between sean and anna . i believe one could argue and very strongly and that this plot device be merely a catalyst to throw anna psyche into relief . in the end and whether the boy be sean or not prof irrelevant while the film be less about a bizarre happen than about the extreme psychological test it bring about . it intense analysis of love and grief and need and the leap of faith . give this set up and the execution be flawless . what the screenplay do and quite beautifully and be convey silent emotion while it understand and good than most film and that communication be often non verbal and and in this situation and when the very thing at stake be reason and it be logical that the character would be at a loss for word . if any give person be to be in anna situation . what would they do . how would you react if someone close to you be live through this . jonathan glazer direction be splendid and building up a somber and airless mood and coax superlative performance out of the entire cast . kidman performance be somewhat mannered and yet she completely and effortlessly inhabit a difficult role while it be a brave and piercing and bravura performance . she capture anna desperation and fragility and but also her privileged lifestyle and upbringing and and the mad undercurrent grief have bring about . the so called opera scene will be and year from now and consider a seminal moment in her career . bright be chillingly effective and register an intensity that be somewhat unsettling and and the supporting turn which and with limited material flesh out character and build history and express emotion that the screenplay only implies be sterling and especially in the case of bacall and howard . technically and the film be a marvel . two thing be worth note represent harris savides wonderful cinematography ( there be at least three iconic sequence in the film ) and which create a look and a mood that be at once forebode and exquisitely beautiful and and alexandre desplat splendid score and which underscore the drama without become obtrusive and blend symphonic melody with a hi lo undercurrent that create an odd womb like effect . lovely and heartbreaking and unforgettable .