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“Shame,” the story of a New York sex-addict, is graphic and hard to watch, but infinitely interesting.

There is a scene in the film, where Sissy (Carey Mulligan) sings the classic “New York, New York” to her brother Brandon (Michael Fassbender) and a crowd full of half-drunk socialites. Sissy’s version of the song reflects the quality of this fantastic film: tragic, dark and hauntingly beautiful.

In the scene, the camera lingers on both Mulligan and Fassbender. The hesitation with which Mulligan sings is heart wrenching, and Fassbender’s single tear reaction only adds to the suffering of an already emotionally taxing film.

Though only a brief portion of the film, the beauty and misery in the scene perfectly captures the mood of the characters, while simultaneously being representative of the heart-rending nature of the story.

The film opens with Brandon lying alone in bed, naked in the darkness. He is a sex addict, and through an amazingly choreographed opening montage, his addiction is shown to be both horrifyingly real and deeply unsatisfying.

Though the film may not have a lot of dialogue, the way in which Fassbender subtly wears Brandon’s emotions is absolutely Oscar-worthy.

Fassbender is a powerful presence in the film, dominating his scenes and bringing an emotional gravitas to the role. If there was any question before the movie whether he should be a big star, the answer after should be a resounding yes.

Brandon’s world is rocked when his outcast of a sister arrives, disrupting his cold and calculated life. Mulligan plays Sissy with a youthful visage and damaged persona that makes her irreplaceable.

The scenes involving Fassbender and Mulligan are among the film’s best, with long camera movements and shockingly frank dialogue.

When director Steve McQueen (“Hunger”) lingers on the siblings, or on any shot in the film, the emotion pours out of the screen.

There is not a moment in the film that is expendable. Every glance, every line, every feeling is important to the story.

Be warned though: the film is rated NC-17, and subsequently extremely graphic. Nudity is prevalent, making every sex scene an unrelenting emotional experience.

“Shame” is a psychological examination of a man addicted to physical pleasure in a way that is difficult to watch, but captivating nonetheless.

5/5 stars