“Bill” (Tom Cruise) and his wife, “Alice” (Nicole Kidman), are navigating the holiday season by attending social events hosted for his wealthy clients. During one evening as guests of "Victor" (Sydney Pollack), the doctor finds himself actively participating rather than simply going through the motions, allowing his wife to explore the party more freely. Upon their return home, she seems disturbed, leading to a conversation that reveals the lackluster nature of their intimate life. Both harbor fantasies that rarely involve each other. The possibility of an open marriage arises, though it's never explicitly discussed or agreed upon. Afterward, at work, he begins to view women differently. His interest isn’t solely for casual encounters; it intensifies when his college friend "Nick" (Todd Field) mentions exclusive masked parties where traditional values are left behind. With the help of “Milich” (Rade Serbedzija), he obtains a costume and attends a secluded gathering—despite his friend's warning to stay away—which possesses an oddly ritualistic atmosphere. Assuming anonymity, he’s quickly confronted by their leader. Just as he’s about to be exposed, a stranger intervenes, offering herself in his place. He’s instructed to remain silent, but a newspaper article later prompts him to question his conscience and "Victor" regarding what he unwittingly stumbled upon. Meanwhile, back home, his wife notices changes in his behavior toward her and their daughter. She seems content with simply indulging her own fantasies, but is his more assertive approach merely another illusion or does it reveal a deeper emotional inadequacy when presented with something he desires? Kidman brings elegance and a playful quality to her role, and Pollack performs well as an inscrutable man skilled at maintaining appearances. Cruise, however, didn't quite work for me; I’ve never found him particularly sensual—despite his status as a heartthrob. It’s hard to picture him engaging in spontaneous acts of intimacy, especially amidst masked strangers in such an upscale setting. His attempts to portray inner turmoil and sexual frustration felt unconvincing, which ultimately diminished the film's impact. Nevertheless, it remains a stylish and seductive exploration of how dissatisfaction with sex can erode a marriage when temptation arises unexpectedly. The repeated use of a single piano note effectively builds tension. What’s also notable is the absence of superfluous dialogue. There are numerous lingering shots—people appearing like exhibits in a museum—and depictions of intimacy that resemble theatrical performances, devoid of passion. This sterility creates a peculiar allure, elevating it above mere soft-core pornography and transforming it into a psychological thriller that simmers with intensity and concludes unexpectedly in a toy store.

Source on TMDB