Black Swan

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2:08

Black Swan

R

Released Dec 17, 2010

1h 48m

Drama

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

85%

Tomatometer

319 Reviews

84%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

Nina (Natalie Portman) is a ballerina whose passion for the dance rules every facet of her life. When the company's artistic director decides to replace his prima ballerina for their opening production of "Swan Lake," Nina is his first choice. She has competition in newcomer Lily (Mila Kunis) however. While Nina is perfect for the role of the White Swan, Lily personifies the Black Swan. As rivalry between the two dancers transforms into a twisted friendship, Nina's dark side begins to emerge.

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Critics Consensus

Bracingly intense, passionate, and wildly melodramatic, Black Swan glides on Darren Aronofsky's bold direction -- and a bravura performance from Natalie Portman.

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Julie and Brandy

Autostraddle

What were they trying to say? What happened?... You're all pretending you know what it means.

Aug 31, 2021

Full Review

Phoenix Danger

Autostraddle

The impeccable casting adds an elevated element of reality to a film that already hits so close to home.

Jun 8, 2021

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Deborah Ross

The Spectator

This is part horror, part thriller, part Freudian nightmare and not a pretty film, as I said, nor an easy watch, but it's so unexpected and out there and passionate it keeps you with it and involved all the way.

Aug 30, 2018

Full Review

Dan Bayer

Next Best Picture

“Black Swan” stands as proof that films have been elevating horror to the level of art for decades, and when they get it right, the results are exhilarating.

Rated: 9/10

Aug 8, 2024

Full Review

Michael Leader

Den of Geek

Throughout, we can spot thematic threads from Aronofsky's body of emotionally raw, character-based studies of obsession and tragedy.

Rated: 4/5

May 7, 2024

Full Review

Don Shanahan

Every Movie Has a Lesson

The film's slow-boiling pull on you, the audience, builds more and more with a pace and tension that matches the maddening breakdowns of its lead character.

Rated: 5/5

Feb 16, 2024

Full Review

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Breno B

In a few words I want to describe my experience watching this film. TOO GOOD, my god, everything in this film is beautiful! It's no surprise that Natalie won best actress at the Oscars, much deserved. What a badass experience I had... I hope everyone has the opportunity to watch this film!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/22/25

Full Review

Audience Member

I guess this was a critique about obsession in combination with alter egos that manifest as the "thing" you are missing. If you think that this movie is like "Whiplass" it's not. The plot consists of the protagonist "hallucinating " half of the time. The characters are developed but you can not really identify with the protagonist.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/16/25

Full Review

Grant H

Can’t believe it took me so long to watch this movie. Natalie absolutely deserved Best Actress and I am happy she did. Wonderful, acting, and dancing. Mind blowing that Natalie was able to get that good at ballet just for the movie! Good message about mental health and perfectionism!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/01/25

Full Review

Pip S

After Requiem for a dream I knew Aronofsky is special. Impressive Natalie.. A movie that if you see it you will definitely never forget it.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/23/25

Full Review

Nicolas J

I'm not really sure what all the hype around this movie is. Seems like a movie for artsy ballet obsessed people.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

01/12/25

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Garrett B

Despite the visuals, there was no redeeming quality in it. Homosexuality was a big no-no

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

01/04/25

Full Review

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Darren Aronofsky

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Natalie Portman

Nina Sayers

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Lily

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Black Swan: Trailer 1

2:08

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Synopsis

Nina (Natalie Portman) is a ballerina whose passion for the dance rules every facet of her life. When the company's artistic director decides to replace his prima ballerina for their opening production of "Swan Lake," Nina is his first choice. She has competition in newcomer Lily (Mila Kunis) however. While Nina is perfect for the role of the White Swan, Lily personifies the Black Swan. As rivalry between the two dancers transforms into a twisted friendship, Nina's dark side begins to emerge.

Director: Darren Aronofsky
Producer: Mike Medavoy, Arnold Messer, Brian Oliver, Scott Franklin
Screenwriter: Mark Heyman, Andres Heinz, John J. McLaughlin
Distributor: Fox Searchlight
Production Co: Dune, Protozoa Pictures, Cross Creek Pictures, Phoenix Pictures
Rating: R (Language|Disturbing Violent Images|Some Drug Use|Strong Sexual Content)
Genre: Drama, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 17, 2010, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 25, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $107.0M
Runtime: 1h 48m
Sound Mix: SDDS, Dolby Digital, DTS

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