In 1920s England, a gay novelist and his psychiatric nurse form an unlikely friendship over a series of doctor-prescribed "dates." Through their conversations, he tells her the story of his relationship with an old friend which spiraled out of control when they turned to a risky procedure to cure themselves of their forbidden feelings for one another.

Love cannot be cured. - lgbt

## "Lilies Not For Me": A Delicate Dance with Discomfort and a Question of Artistic Justification

"Lilies Not For Me" (Slovensky: "Lilie pro mne ne"), Slovak filmmaker Pavol Sadovsky's 2022 drama, is a film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll, not necessarily for its cinematic brilliance, but for its stark and often unsettling depiction of a young woman's vulnerability and the uncomfortable questions it raises about the role of the artist. Spoilers ahead, proceed with caution.

The film centers on Lucia (Jana Kovalcikova), a young nursing student struggling to reconcile her dreams with the harsh realities of her life. She’s trapped in a suffocating relationship with Tomas (Milos Koza), a possessive and controlling boyfriend who demands unwavering devotion and suppresses her individuality. Lucia’s spirit is evident from the outset, but it's slowly being chipped away by Tomas's manipulative behavior, and a deep-seated sense of loneliness permeates her existence.

The narrative unfolds in a series of fragmented scenes, mirroring Lucia’s disjointed emotional state. We witness Tomas's escalating control, ranging from subtle put-downs to outright psychological abuse. He dictates her clothing, monitors her phone, and isolates her from her friends and family, effectively building a gilded cage around her. This manipulation is portrayed with an unnerving realism, showcasing the insidious nature of domestic abuse.

The turning point, and arguably the most controversial aspect of the film, comes when Lucia encounters a photographer, Peter (Richard Autner). Peter, captivated by Lucia's beauty and apparent fragility, offers her an escape through art. He invites her to pose for him, promising to capture her true essence and offer her a platform for self-expression.

Initially, Lucia finds liberation in Peter's artistic vision. The photography sessions become a refuge from Tomas's suffocating grip, allowing her to reconnect with a sense of self. However, as the sessions progress, Peter pushes Lucia to explore increasingly vulnerable and emotionally taxing poses. He exploits her vulnerabilities for artistic gain, blurring the lines between artistic exploration and exploitation.

This is where the film truly divides audiences. While some argue that Sadovsky is intentionally showcasing the potential for abuse within the artistic process, others criticize the film for gratuitous nudity and the perceived exploitation of the actress. The scenes depicting Lucia's vulnerability are undeniably uncomfortable, prompting viewers to question Peter's motivations and the ethical boundaries of his art.

The ending is ambiguous, leaving Lucia's fate uncertain. We see her finally leaving Tomas, a significant step towards reclaiming her life. However, the impact of Peter's manipulation remains unclear. Is she truly free, or has she simply traded one form of control for another? This ambiguity leaves the audience grappling with the film's central themes: the power dynamics within relationships, the complexities of artistic expression, and the vulnerability inherent in the pursuit of self-discovery.

"Lilies Not For Me" is not an easy watch. Its raw and unflinching portrayal of manipulation and vulnerability is deliberately challenging. While its artistic merit remains a subject of debate, the film undeniably sparks a necessary conversation about the responsibility of artists and the potential for exploitation within creative collaborations. It forces viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about power, control, and the delicate balance between artistic expression and ethical responsibility. Whether or not it ultimately succeeds in its artistic aims, "Lilies Not For Me" is a film that demands to be discussed, dissected, and ultimately, debated.