Kissed

Kissed is a 1996 Canadian film that delves into the unnervingly fascinating and complex subject of necrophilia, directed by Lynne Stopkewich. Leading the talented cast is Molly Parker, who plays the role of Sandra Larson with undeniable authenticity, earning her a Genie Award nomination. The film also stars Peter Outerbridge as Matt and Jay Brazeau in a pivotal role.

One aspect that makes Kissed stand apart from its contemporaries is how it fosters a conversation on a taboo subject, threading a tightrope walk between the macabre and affectionate. The brilliance of this narrative is that it neither defends nor condemns necrophilia but merely presents it as a part of its protagonist's existential journey.

Molly Parker plays Sandra Larson with an almost haunting intensity, providing an impressive portrayal of a young woman with unconventional romantic interests. Sandra has since her childhood been fascinated by death and its mysteries, indicated by her curious obsession with dead animals, staging funerals for them and exploring their stillness. While her interests diverge from the norm, they are presented as an integral part of her personality, shown as natural to her as any other interest may be to another individual. It's her rendition of Sandra that deepens the intrigue of the narrative, transforming what could have been a morose and heavy film into a compelling exploration of human psychology.

Peter Outerbridge plays Matt, a man infatuated with Sandra, who is a medical student. Matt falls in love with Sandra due to her enchanting peculiarity and uniqueness. His character is essential in bringing out Sandra's narrative, showing an ordinary outlook of a person trying to rationalize and adapt to the unspeakable practice that engulfs Sandra's life. The strain their relationship undergoes due to their contrasting views, all the while being fueled by their steadfast love for each other, is also evident in the film, adding another dimension to the narrative.

Jay Brazeau completes the integral triangle of the film's characters, providing significant support to the leading characters and acting as a catalyst in several decisive moments in the film.

Kissed uses a multi-layered representation of necrophilia as a metaphor to delve deeper into the human psyche. It baits the viewers to question their perceptions of love, life, death, and morality. The film's stark contrast between life and death, particularly seen from the character's unique perspective, provides an intriguing perspective to viewers. Lynne Stopkewich treats the subject with extreme sensitivity and handles the narrative deftly, using poetic visuals and symbolism to paint an evocative portrait of Sandra's reality.

The film's intimate look at life, death, love, sexuality, and what they all mean to different people fosters an atmosphere of introspection and depth. The audience is privy to a whole gamut of emotions – curiosity, happiness, discomfort, fear, and even empathy. Intensely gripping, the film proves to be a test for viewers' sensibilities, pushing boundaries of comfort and leaving an unsettling, yet intriguing aftermath.

In terms of cinematographic aesthetics, Kissed employs a melancholic yet beautiful tone that emphasizes the film's themes. The play of darkness and light, the cold hues of the world populated by the deceased contrasted with the warm lively world outside, the attention to minute details, and a precise flow between shots all contribute to the film's overall impact.

Kissed is a fantastic example of pushing the boundaries of storytelling beyond the norms of mainstream cinema, proving its worth as a thought-provoking work of art. While it centers on a lurid and controversial subject, it remains a haunting exploration of human psychology, certain to provoke discussion and challenge perceptions. This unique narrative coupled with a strong cast makes Kissed a compelling watch. The movie reflects the director and the cast's bravery to venture into a narrative space few would dare to tread.