Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

Intimacy Blu-ray Movie Review

A compelling examination of the damage of affairs with a brilliant performance from Mark Rylance

Intimacy is a heavy-hitting erotic drama with fantastic performances from the leading cast. Based on stories by author Hanif Kureishi (My Beautiful Laundrette, My Son the Fanatic), the film is a frank exploration of extramarital affairs and the damage it can do to relationships. Directed with clear sensitivity by the great Patrice Chéreau (Queen Margot, Gabrielle), Intimacy is an altogether compelling drama (for adults) with explicit sex at every turn in the story.

Jay (Mark Rylance) is a struggling musician staying in a run-down apartment building. Married (with a family) but now living out on his own, Jay quickly falls for his gorgeous landlord, Claire (Kerry Fox). The two adults hit it off almost immediately and start to have regular sexual encounters with each other: all while going at-it on the bare floor with enthusiasm. Sparks were made and their sexual passions were ignited.

Curious to find out more about Claire, Jay follows her after one of their encounters and discovers that she is a non-professional actor who performs in a small local theater. Claire is playing a lead role in a Tennessee Williams play to a quiet crowd. The initial joy of their sexual satisfaction turns to dismay when Jay realizes that Claire is the spouse of loyal husband, Andy (Timothy Spall), whom he meets while seeing her perform at the theater. As Jay gets to know Claire's spouse, the relationship must be confronted.

Mark Rylance delivers a knock-out performance what should not go missed. Delving completely into the role, Rylance elevates the material with his remarkable work as a dramatic actor. There is real gravitas to the performance. The role is for a complex character who has great failings and Rylance doesn't shy away from expressing that aspect in the part while still demonstrating his humanity at the same time. It's no wonder Rylance has become a go-to favorite of director Steven Spielberg with parts in Bridge of Spies, The BFG, Ready Player One, and other projects in development.

Distance. Intimacy. Lust, caution.

There is a graphic nature to Intimacy which stands out from most other erotic dramas of the period. It's extremely direct in its frank portrayal of sexual encounters and viewers should keep this in mind when approaching the material: extended sex scenes showcase Rylance full-frontal repeatedly and there are many moments that are completely explicit and realistic (including a blow-job scene, for example). Some viewers might find it surprising for a mainstream drama so it's worth mentioning. This is a sophisticated if graphic adult drama.

There are other impressive elements to the production as well. The film has a upbeat music score by Éric Neveux (The Insult, The Attack) which often provides the film with an electronic sound-stage. Songs featured in the film also include The Chemical Brothers and other popular electronic acts. Musicality does play an interesting part in the film and it adds some character to the experience.

The cinematography by Eric Gautier (Into the Wild, On the Road) is creative and eye-catching. Throughout the entire feature, the intimate sexual encounters are graphically brought to life in stylistically interesting sequences that display Gautier's photographic skill with ease. Edited by François Gédigier (Dancer in the Dark, Queen Margot), the film's graphic sex scenes are extremely naturalistic and convincing.

Featuring a screenplay by director Patrice Chéreau and co-screenwriter Anne-Louise Trividic (The Monk, The Age of Potential), the story is actually the second most impressive aspect of Intimacy (following the frank performances). Despite a fairly straightforward and simplistic concept that certainly has been approached time and time again, Intimacy actually stands out as a impressive exploration of serious dramatic themes concerning adultery and the damages it causes. The film is certainly more complex and introspective about the characters than it lets on at first glance. A great screenplay.

Patrice Chéreau crafted a film which is every bit as erotic as it is haunting. There is sexual passion on display throughout yet the story never forgets the implications of these characters actions. Chéreau is certainly to be commended for making such a strong film about such a difficult topic. Intimacy is a thoughtful, well-written, and well-acted film that is worth watching. There's far more to the film than its surface.

Intimacy Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray from distributor Kino Lorber, Intimacy features a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition presentation in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1 widescreen. The feature is newly restored. The 4K restoration is superb from beginning to end. Detail is exceptional.

The fine film grain looks downright superb and the cinematography is kept intact. Color reproduction is excellent. The release has no noticeable encoding problems and the scan is free from any issues with dirt, debris, or print damage. A beautiful, organic presentation that absolutely delivers a fantastic experience. This is a top-notch restoration.

Intimacy Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release includes two audio options: 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio. The surround sound option was my preference and is an excellent quality presentation which has a dynamic design which is hard to ignore. While some sequences in the film have a dialogue-heavy approach, there are other moments in which the surrounds are actually rather active and engaging (especially in regards to the music soundtrack). When a classic track from The Chemical Brothers blasts from the speakers, the sound quality is enormously engaging. Dialogue is consistently clean, clear, and easy to understand. Optional English SDH subtitles (for the deaf and hard of hearing) are provided.

Intimacy Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary by film critic Karen Han

Intimacy Theatrical Trailer (SD, 1:34)

Lastly, the Kino Lorber release also includes the trailer for Buffet Froid (SD, 2:17).

Intimacy Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

An intelligent and compelling drama about infidelity, Intimacy is a compelling film with first-rate direction and a quality script. The performance by leading actor Mark Rylance is extraordinary. Complex and haunting, the film should be considered a must-see (as long as one can handle the extremely graphic sex scenes). The Blu-ray release features a stunning 4K restoration and comes highly recommended.