Metacritic Film

Going Under

Starring Geno Lechner, Roger Rees, Mary Elizabeth King, Brian Keane, Martha Millan, Miho Nikaido, Blake Robbins, and Tyler Q. Rosen

MPAA RATING: Not Rated

Argot Pictures
Drama
98 minutes | Color
USA
Released In Theaters June 15, 2006

Peter, a psychotherapist, and Suzanne, a professional dominatrix, have been meeting once a week for over two years. In the privacy of a dungeon room in an S & M house, Suzanne delicately pierces, prods and ultimately soothes Peter as they engage in sensual dominance and submission reenactments. Peter's wife Pat knows about her husband's other life, but there is an understanding between them; what happens in the dungeon is relegated to the world of fantasy. Peter and Suzanne, undeniably drawn to each other, agree to see each other on the outside. Though Suzanne is clearly ambivalent about any sort of physical intimacy, Peter becomes increasingly obsessed with consummating their relationship. (Argot Pictures)

WRITTEN BY
Jessica Gohlke
Eric Werthman

DIRECTED BY
Eric Werthman

Overall Metascore

This is a weighted, normalized average of all individual scores given by critics, on a scale of 0 (worst) to 100 (best).

37 / 100

Critic Reviews

60	The Hollywood Reporter The film reveals the influence of director/co-writer Werthman's profession because it adopts a highly clinical and thoughtful rather than exploitative turn. Although at times one wishes for a little more heat, of both the dramatic and erotic variety, there is an admirable intelligence and restraint on display.
50	New York Post Going Under is the feature directorial debut of 65-year-old Eric Werthman, who has been a practicing psychotherapist for a quarter of a century. If you're not already seeing a shrink, Mr. Werthman, may we suggest that you start immediately.
40	The New York Times Jeannette Catsoulis The director, Eric Werthman, a practicing psychotherapist, presents Peter and Suzanne's dilemma like a case study from his own files rather than a real, flesh-and-blood-and-handcuffs relationship.
38	TV Guide Welsh-born actor Roger Rees bares body and soul in director/cowriter Eric Werthman's handsomely photographed examination of the dynamic that unites a masochist and the sex worker who caters to his desires.
30	Village Voice Jorge Morales Just because Rees can play a masochist doesn't mean viewers have to.

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