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The debut Australian film by Julia Leigh, "Sleeping Beauty" received so many bad reviews, I knew I had to see this film. Starring up and coming multi-talented actress and vocalist, Emily Browning (SuckerPunch), this film delivers just want it promises, a perverse, sensual, passionate art house film.

It is very easy to see why most American movie critics would run away from this film as quickly as possible. Just wondering why are movie critics are always men? What male movie critic is going to run home to his family and kids and praise a film about a nubile young woman, Emily Browning, who is working two jobs and going to college, and takes on extra work as a "Sleeping Beauty", a drugged escort that is visited not by a Prince but instead used by rich, perverted, slimy rich old men. However there is one rule, "No Penetration".

This film moves very slowly, with some scenes resembling living paintings. Although there is plenty of nudity, director Leigh stays away from gratuitous sex, leaving your own imagination to fill in the blanks. I have seen more sex scenes in a Lifetime Network movie. However the mainstream American could never understand this film because it is not violent, does not contain car chases, digital special effects, and a sugary coating.

While all the media attention seems bent on the "Sleeping Beauty" aspect of this film, this film is ultimately about a young single female trying to cope with modern society, having a place to live after getting thrown out of her apartment, and having to make bitter choices so she can pursue a better life for herself.

Emily Browning has to be commended for choosing this film, as well as "Sucker Punch", instead of doing Disney Emma Stone films. I am excited to see what Emily Browning is going to do next.

The only failure of this film is the ending, which tried too hard to be artsy, and left me unsatisfied.