Follows an arc familiar from numerous other films that deal with the theme of addiction — an accelerated freefall towards rock bottom followed by self-awareness and a hint of redemption.

Shame is, indeed, a perfect distillation of the suffering-guy archetype.

Cleverly written and beautifully portrayed, Shame is a sensitive look at sex and addiction we've rarely seen before in film.

Throughout the movie, the camera and point-of-view rarely leaves Fassbender and we are privy to watching this clash of emotions and habits.