The debut feature from The Matrix directors Lana and Lily Wachowski, Bound is a stylish and steamy neo-noir starring Jennifer Tilly and Gina Gershon as star-crossed partners in crime (and other things). Recently paroled con Corky (Gershon) is attempting to go straight with a job renovating a Chicago apartment, only to find herself entangled with seductive neighbour Violet (Tilly) and her hot-headed mafioso husband Caesar (Joe Pantoliano). Violet has a plan to pull off the perfect crime but she needs help, forcing Corky to decide if the allure of 3 million dollars and this femme fatale is worth the risk of violent mob retribution.

Pulpy and lusciously lensed, this sapphic heist caper was made on a limited budget but looks and feels like a million bucks, in part thank to DOP Bill Pope (who would work again with the Wachowskis through their career) help wrangling a dedicated crew. Lily and Lana were influenced by the tight and twisty noirs of John Huston and Billy Wilder, turning limitations to their advantage with a claustrophobic setting that seems to close in further with every scene. Gershon and Tilly have electric chemistry from the jump, ably assisted by a livewire Joey Pants in the clueless straight guy role.