Andrew Dominik’s Blonde is a bold, bleak nightmare put to film. It’s also likely going to be one of the toughest movies you’ll ever sit through. And no, it’s not because of the NC-17 rating (I’ve seen far worse in R-rated fare), it’s all to do with the horrific subject matter and the sheer effectiveness of our filmmaker in delivering it. Technically, the film is top notch. The black and white cinematography and lush recreation of Hollywood’s golden years is a chef’s kiss! Now, this movie is not going to be for everyone. I would imagine it is not going to be for most of the average movie-going public. The film is less of a story as it is extended incidents sewn together. There is a throughline of course (Marilyn’s traumatizing childhood), but it doesn’t play by your “typical” rules of cinema. There’s also the question of, is this all true? The answer, of course, is no. Well, it’s all “imagined” and “here say.” Are they that far off from what happened though? We’ll never know of course, but it all feels in the realm of believability - and frankly, that’s a depressing thought. Depressing might actually be the best word to describe what we get here, as this is NOT a feel good biopic by any means. This isn’t a shiny nod to the bright, bubbly, and beautiful Marilyn Monroe in the movies of yesteryear. Nope, this is a true horror story about Norma Jeane and her tragic existence. And for her part, Ana de Aramas delivers an A-grade performance. Her Marilyn is dripping in sorrow, hopefulness, and unbridled beauty. She’s a survivor. She’s a star. She’s also unfulfilled in nearly all aspects her life. If it sounds miserable, you are not wrong, not wrong at all!