Creature

On a remote Arctic research station, a captive creature (played by the English National Ballet’s charismatic principal dancer Jeffrey Cirio) is unwittingly enlisted into a military program that subjects him to sinister experiments. Amid this turmoil, he finds himself enamoured with a cleaner, the only person who shows him kindness; together, these two outsiders dream of escape from their dystopian surrounds.

This is a gorgeous piece of theatrical cinema that really does allow the stylish Jeffrey Cirio to demonstrate his grace and athleticism. He is the eponymous character being held for experimentation in a run down Arctic research station. His whole life is governed by the rather beastly "Major" (Fabian Reimair) ably assisted by the menacing "Doctor" (Stina Quagebeur). His life is one relentless stream of misery and ghastliness - until, that is, he befriends (à la "Shape of Water" from 2017) the cleaner "Marie" (Erina Takahashi) and the merest hint of hope and optimism enters his dreary existence. The lighting, paucity of dialogue and eeriness of the over-arching production design help immensely, as does the potent Vincenzo Lasagna score - to create a marvellously enjoyable and thought provoking stage for some masterful dancing from Cirio who oozes charisma right from the start. I'm not the greatest followed of dance, but this isn't really a film that requires you to be. The story just flows, the characters attract and alienate and the whole thing is a sensual treat. Turn off the lights and get yourself a drink, settle down and prepare to be mesmerised. This is good.