If Volume I was a euphoric one night stand, Volume II proves to be the sour regret of the morning after.

Both of Nymphomaniac’s instalments run for 123 minutes, but this film feels as if it is taking double the time to get only half as much done. Added to this is a bizarre, left-field ending – designed, seemingly, only to chafe and infuriate those who have borne witness to Joe’s story.

Thank goodness this epic was split into two more manageable chunks. Volume I is a modern masterpiece. Volume II has still got balls. But where is its heart?

Nymphomaniac’s second volume does exhibit some interesting feminist commentary, but this is mostly lost in a flood of ideas – some formed, others stillborn. Certainly worth a watch to complete the story, but nowhere near as good as her older sister.

RATING: 3/5

INFORMATION

CAST: Charlotte Gainsbourg, Stellan Skarsgård, Stacy Martin, Shia LaBeouf, William Defoe, Jamie Bell, Mia Goth

DIRECTOR: Lars von Trier

WRITERS: Lars von Trier

SYNOPSIS: The continuation of Joe (Gainsbourg)’s sexually dictated life delves into the darker aspects of her adult life and what led to her being in Seligman (Skarsgård)’s care.