I always used to think Haneke’s films were unpleasant until I encountered this film. This one was also disturbing like his other films, but I found it much easier to sympathise with the main character.
Erika has never been loved. She wants love but does not know how to respond it. When young, handsome Walter comes on to her, she asks him to treat her violently, which hurts Walter emotionally. Their act of hurting each other just escalates.
The last scene was painful and shocking, but at the same time I found myself hooked with it. Since that day, I became a Haneke’s fan.