Cuddler (2016) User Reviews

A novel, nuanced portrayal of intimacy and isolation in the modern metropolis

[joellopata · 9/10 · 25 March 2017]

Cuddler is a short narrative film exploring the lived experience of a professional cuddler living in a modern metropolis, and is successful in several ways. The acting is quite notable. I especially enjoyed the space management between characters. It is rare to see space between actors managed with nuance, and even rarer to see it done in an emotionally evocative manner. The film is directed and photographed elegantly-always in service of the story. The underlying tone is perhaps the film's greatest strength. There is a patience here that benefits (a) the unfolding of the drama and (b) the contrasting feelings of comfort and discomfort that are central to an exploration of the themes of intimacy, isolation, and tenderness in an emotionally challenging zeitgeist.

Cuddler is ultimately a successful film marking it's director, Mr. Turok, as a blossoming auteur. Highly recommended.

A modern look at intimacy for rent with a twist in the end!

[goldentones · 9/10 · 25 March 2017]

The protagonist Marie has turned modern alienation and disaffection to her financial benefit by cuddling those who are lacking genuine intimacy in their lives- for a fee. In the end she discovers it is she herself who must be comforted for giving herself away to her clients needs when she can't bear being let go by her favourite client. Is Marie a tragic hero as she falls victim to her own counter-transference jeopardy, or is she just a grasping marketing major in over her own head and heart?

Delicate in it's approach to explore the uncommon

[Sonia_Lowe · 8/10 · 14 April 2017]

The Cuddler is a masterfully-told, cryptic memoir of the human condition; chronicling a young Cosmopolitan woman and her peculiar career choice which caters to soothing her clients' deep-seeded emotional wounds.

Director Bohdan Turok is astute in his ability to evoke visceral performances from his characters, which inspires audiences to yield to and perhaps embrace the complexities surrounding intrinsic human desire.

Cuddler: a journey into your 'own' inner feeling and emotions

[carlosgarciaa-88532 · 10/10 · 15 May 2017]

In Cuddler (2016), Director Bohdan Turok is able to masterfully open a window into the life of Marie (main character), to share an intimate part of HER unique story. However, as I watched the movie, I found myself seriously contemplating MY OWN feelings and emotions, and 'digging deeper' to tap into visceral sentiments that are found in us all.

In the end, Marie's experiences and journey as a 'professional' cuddler is also MY journey, and the film perfectly exemplifies this notion through its insightful depiction of the story of 'the other', while connecting with and 'touching your own.'