Shame (2011)
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A sex-addicted New Yorker's life begins to unravel when his younger sister unexpectedly appears in his life.
The story
Brandon Sullivan is an executive in New York City struggling with a severe addiction to sex and pornography. His controlled, isolated existence is disrupted when his sister, Sissy, arrives in the city and asks to stay with him. As Sissy's outgoing personality clashes with Brandon's guarded lifestyle, the tension between them grows. Brandon must navigate his internal turmoil and the complications of her presence while trying to maintain his facade of professional success in the city.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
Brandon Sullivan, a New York executive addicted to sex and pornography, finds his life disrupted when his sister Sissy arrives to stay with him. The film follows their strained relationship as Sissy's presence forces Brandon to confront his habits. After a series of escalating incidents, including a failed attempt at a relationship with a coworker named Marianne and a physical altercation after a night of drinking, Brandon's life spirals. Following a tragic incident where Sissy is hospitalized after self-harm, Brandon is left alone to deal with the aftermath. The film concludes with Brandon on a subway, where he makes eye contact with a woman who does not look away, suggesting a moment of connection amidst his isolation.
- First release year
- 2011
- Runtime (minutes)
- 101
- Production countries
- United Kingdom
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Steve McQueen
- Writers
- Steve McQueen · writer; Abi Morgan · writer
- Cast and characters
- Michael Fassbender · Brandon; Carey Mulligan · Sissy; James Badge Dale · David; Nicole Beharie
- Genres
- psychological drama; erotic drama
- Themes
- sexual addiction; family dynamics; isolation
- Tone and mood
- intense; unflinching
- Premise and plot tags
- addiction; sibling relationship; urban drama
- Reception
- The film received positive reviews from critics who praised the direction, screenplay, and performances, and it was ranked among the best films of the 21st century.
- Reported review scores
- Rotten Tomatoes · score: 79% · review count: 230; Metacritic · score: 72 · scale: 100 · review count: 41
- Awards and nominations
- Volpi Cup for Best Actor · Best Actor · win; Golden Globes · Best Actor · nomination; BAFTA Awards · Best Actor · nomination
- Production trivia
- The film was rated NC-17 in the United States.; The film was ranked as one of the best films of the 21st century by critics.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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