Isabelle Huppert appears in a scene from "Elle."

One of the biggest surprises during Sunday’s Golden Globes was Isabelle Huppert’s win for Best Actress in a Drama for “Elle.”

It’s a performance that few outside of that room had seen, but one that will likely garner more attention as we get closer to Oscar nominations.

Huppert may well find her way into the Oscar discussion for this complex performance in “Elle” which explores sexuality and relationships in a way only the film’s director Paul Verhoeven would dare to explore.

The man behind “Basic Instinct” and “Showgirls” once again pushes the limits, but like the former film he has a female lead who is capable of pushing those boundaries with him.

Huppert plays Michèle the head of a successful video game company, whose life is changed forever after she is attacked in her home by an unknown assailant.

Michèle opts not to go to police,  and instead tracks the man down. Once she finds out who he is it becomes a power struggle between the two – one that could spiral out of control at any moment.

I’ll admit the subject matter is very queasy and at times I found myself not sure if I was willing to continue down the path Verhoeven and David Birke’s screenplay (which was based on a novel by Philippe Djian) paves as “Elle” progresses.

Yet, Huppert is so fascinating I was willing to trek forward. There is a lot going on with Michèle, including an estranged relationship with her parents because of a tragic event earlier in life that has left her severely damaged.

That subplot gets to the heart of “Elle,” which is about a woman so damaged that the only idea of normal for her is to damage the lives of anyone she comes in contact with.

Huppert gets to the heart of the character quite well, bringing out that darkness and uneasiness that resonates throughout the film.

“Elle” may not be easy to watch, but you certainly can’t take your eyes off Huppert – eager to see what she will do next.

Starring: Isabelle Huppert, Laurent Lafitte

Directed by: Paul Verhoeven

Rating: R for violence involving sexual assault, disturbing sexual content, some grisly images, brief graphic nudity, and language

Playing at: Belcourt Theater in Nashville (Opens Friday)

Grade: B-