An exercise in detached, unfeeling storytelling that is understandable given the subject matter. Yet it's so strangely upsetting how normal everything is at the Hoss residence. You'll find not even the remotest hint of guilt, let alone remorse, on anyone's face. Introducing a new crematorium design for more efficient extermination is just another workday for Rudolf, and Hedwig is more than content with her life in the titular "zone," so much so that she's adamant about relocating somewhere else.

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In essence, what Aronofsky dares to cross here is a tightrope - framing ballet isn't easy, plus the undertaking of making it such a compelling yarn is admirable - and he does so valiantly; aided by a plethora of metaphorical undercurrents enveloped by an admonition for perfection, nimbly sparring the viewer through samples of horror only to entwine them with riveting character study and melodrama. There's a certain authenticity about this film, and Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis have all…