Kissed is one of the most unusual films of the year. Based on a short story by Canadian writer Barbara Gowdy, it deals with the ultimate sexual taboo — necrophilia. But instead of treating the subject in a sensational way, director Lynne Stopkewich lyrically explores the intersection between sex, death, and the search for transcendence.

At the age of 12, Sandra is fascinated with death. She creates a series of elaborate rituals for dead animals in which she connects with them in mystical ways. As an adult, Sandra takes a job as an embalmer at a funeral parlor. Soon she is exploring forbidden territory in nightly rendezvous with the corpses of dead men.

When Matt, a medical student, falls in love with her, she tells him about her adventures. "I've seen bodies shining like stars," she says. Matt desperately wants access to her special kingdom where she's in total control and yet able to lose herself completely. Eventually, he finds a way to join Sandra.

Kissed is carried by the sensitive, moody, and well-modulated performance of Molly Parker who makes Sandra's sexual taboo into a sacred search for meaning, embodied ritual, and mystical connection in the face of death. However, due to the bizarre theme of necrophilia, only a few will want to take this cinematic journey.