Exotica is a 1994 Canadian drama film directed by Atom Egoyan and starring Mia Kirshner, Elias Koteas, Don McKellar, and Bruce Greenwood. The film follows the intersecting lives of several characters who frequent a strip club called Exotica in downtown Toronto.
Christina (Mia Kirshner) is a young dancer at the club, who is visited every night by Francis (Elias Koteas), a depressed tax auditor. Francis becomes obsessed with Christina, but she is more interested in her ex-boyfriend, Eric (Bruce Greenwood), the club's MC. Eric is still in love with Christina, but has his own relationship problems with the club's female owner, Zoe (Arsinée Khanjian).
As the film progresses, it becomes clear that the characters' lives are more intertwined than they initially appear. Francis begins to investigate Christina's background and discovers that she has a tragic past. Eric and Zoe's relationship becomes strained as Eric becomes increasingly possessive and jealous of Christina.
Meanwhile, a mysterious pet-shop owner named Thomas (Don McKellar) enters the scene and becomes involved with several of the characters, including Christina and Francis. It is eventually revealed that he has a connection to Christina's past and that he is not who he appears to be.
Exotica is a complex and emotionally charged film that explores themes of obsession, loss, and redemption. It features a non-linear narrative structure, with multiple interweaving storylines that gradually reveal the connections between the characters. The film received critical acclaim upon its release, and has since become a cult classic in Canadian cinema.