Rough Edges

Saw this on opening night at SF Indie Fest, and liked it immediately, although there were a few issues I had with it. But over the next few weeks, I found it slowly resonating more with me, and can now safely say that I really love this film (and yes, that is also a slight metaphor for the plot.) The writing -- which consequently also means the acting -- can feel a little stiff, but this is almost to be expected with a film that delves so heavily into a BDSM relationship, and has to do a lot of heavy lifting explaining the vibe to normies who might be inexperienced with play parties, polyamory, protocol, etc. But for those already familiar with the fetish scene (especially the one in San Francisco) it's AMAZING seeing this sort of relationship represented so truthfully and accurately on screen. Conversations about intimacy, sexuality, and relationship dynamics that I've NEVER heard before in a movie are ultimately what drives this film, much more than the (admittedly hot) sex scenes. It's a "talky" film, but the conversations these two characters have navigating their connection (and their reasons for enjoying BDSM) are never boring, despite the sometimes languid pace. If you have even a passing interest in seeing an "unconventional" relationship (albeit, of mostly the heterosexual variety) play out within a BDSM context, then this movie is 100% worth checking out. Because representation matters, and we need atonement for "Fifty Shades of Grey."