Nymphomaniac Vol. II- Review

So I managed to sit through this sequel with more attention than the first. I'll admit, it was better. There's a love-hate relationship with this movie, which doesn't take away from Lars Von Trier in any way, it's just that I wanted to love this creative journey so much more but just didn't. I think that's why it makes for a harder review.

So again, we have the same characters but introduce two new ones who I believe deserve some kind of recognition: Jamie Bell and Mia Goth.

In this sequel, it follows on with the first movie that discusses Joe's sexuality and everything from her past leading up to the present. More so, it focusses on her here from the ages of 35-50. In this movie however, it takes on a more aggressive tone as Joe becomes increasingly frustrated with Seligman and his lack of understanding use of unimportant relations between sex, religion and literature and the fact that he is unable to relate to her at all.

The performances: I already discussed in the volume one review of this film that Charlotte Gainsbourg was not a favourite actress of mine, particularly in these films. I don't understand what it is that Lars finds so interesting about her, but I am fully aware that she is in his other following movies Antichrist and Melancholia. I was able to understand a bit more about her character progression (as you would the majority of the time with a sequel) but still found her to be so boring. However, my god can she sing. In the ending credits, she performs a song called "Hey Joe" and it's actually so beautiful. I'm not in any way saying that she has no talent but depending on the roles she takes on, her level of energy/ performance rides on it.

Stellan Skarsgård actually gave me the jeebies in this movie. I can't go into depth of how or why in fear of spoilers but I definitely will say, his role becomes ironic. In fact, this entire movie is ironic when you think about it enough. As per usual in this two-part movie, Stellan was the shining actor.

Jamie Bell played the role of K, a sadist who 'helps' women seeking his company for understanding of their sexuality in a violent manner. I've always liked Jamie and definitely with age and a change of scene, he isn't the kid you remember from Billy Elliott. In his scenes, I felt pretty uncomfortable and wondered myself, whether he too felt uncomfortable with the roll he was playing. It's hardly noticeable but because I was observing him so strongly, I couldn't help but feel that even this was a little too bold of a role for him. Never once did he appear to falter or break characterisation.

Finally, Mia Goth. As a person I think she's beautiful and sweet but as her character, P, she was one that you could hate. That to me, is a successful execution. However, her role just seemed so easily forgettable. It probably wouldn't even matter if you did. I actually found out about Mia through watching A Cure For Wellness and then seeing her here, I understand how she is able to masterfully play someone so fragile, delicate and doe-like.

The Cons: Mostly the same as the last review, not exactly a favourite movie of mine due mostly to actresses like Charlotte and Shia. Thankfully, Shia was not as present here, but that terrible accent will forever haunt me.

I found Mia's character P to be a bit of a waste too. Yes, she was important for some parts of the movie but I felt like it was mostly just a filler role to help the story along.

Also, Rammstein didn't make an appearance in this second movie. Disappointing.

Again, another twister of an ending that actually had me engaged. I just wish that I could have felt that engaged throughout the entire movie. I still think that Lars is a creative genius and will check out his other movies, but it just appears that these two films really didn't do much for me.

Score: 6.5/10.