I don't watch very many adult films, but this was well worth sitting through for performance, dialogue and concept alone. Lonely, middle aged Justine Jones (Georgina Spelvin) decides to end her own life by slitting her wrists in the bathtub. When she awakens she finds herself bargaining for her place in the hereafter with the pleasant but stern Mr. Abaca (John Clemens), an afterlife social worker or sorts. He tells her she's already sealed her fate by committing suicide but since she lived a virtually sin-free existence otherwise, he'll let her experience lust and sexual pleasure for a brief period of time before her stint in hell commences. Miss Jones then enters a doorway for a series of sexual adventures, starting with learning the basics of human sexuality from 'Teacher' Harry Reems. The scenes following involve the expected couplings; a straight scene, a lesbian scene and two scenes with multiple partners - as well as a few more imaginative solo scenes of Justine learning how to pleasure herself with a water hose, a bowl of fruit and a snake. Some of these sequences are given distinction through sound and setting. For instance, there's no music accompanying the lesbian scene, just the sound of howling wind; a simple yet effective other-worldly touch. The water hose scene takes place in a filthy, grimy bathtub, which is a reflection of how sex can be temporary escape, no matter how ugly and miserable your surroundings. By the time her introduction to the joys of sex concludes, Justine has won back her will to live and is pleading for a second chance, but finds herself trapped in a distinct and disturbing version of personal hell.
No, the sex scenes aren't especially erotic, but who said every film incorporating hardcore sex had to be erotic? In fact, the first twenty minutes of this film are virtually sex free. And no, Georgina Spelvin looks nothing like today's porno stars. She middle aged and doesn't look like she just emerged from a Barbie Doll cloning factory. She can also act. This film simply would not have worked with a bad actress in the lead, as the role requires someone capable of showing a variety of different emotions; depression, frigidity, innocence, discovery and, ultimately, anguish and despair. Spelvin does this role justice and it's easy to see why she went on to an acclaimed and respected career in the adult industry.
This film probably isn't for everyone out there, but it's worthwhile to the right kind of audience; particularly those who think there can be more to hardcore films than a series of sex scenes carelessly and cheaply strung together for an easy profit.
