Ex-Dominatrix: A True Story

Fascinating film telling the true story of a tragic event for all involved. Really the media should be ashamed of themselves. I can't imagine what it must have felt like to be so wrongly judged. Thankfully Ira has finally been able to put the record straight and she chose the right man in Darren. Definitely worth a watch.

Beautifully crafted and thoughtful feature-length documentary which humanises and contextualises the story of a professional dominatrix whose world was blown apart when a death on her premises became a national scandal, almost ruining her in the process. For all its larger-than-life spanky, shiny shenanigans, it's the love and courage and humour that Ira and her family and friends have in spades that stays with you.

This tightly-constructed documentary uses Ira's own narration to create a perspective which allows us to see her world from her own point of view, while enthusiastically objectifying its latex-clad subject. The cinematography is consistently sharp and inventive and includes a series of beautifully lit, erotically-charged scenes that would make Helmut Newton proud.

Have to say ,I know ira and Darren the director and most of the cast , I knew of the events as they happened, I've worked in broadcast tv for thirty years and seen some aweful low budget movies , I was not expecting much from this as I felt it would only interest a limited market , so watched with a very critical eye , I was however really impressed ,it's beautifully filmed and crafted , gives a great on-site into the world of fetish , that I know really well , and great insight into a truly amazing person, ira , I learnt things about her I never knew despite being in her company a number of times , full marks to the way this event was portrayed and handled , best to buy the DVD as the extras and bonus features are worth a watch . Maybe I'm biased but I would of been the worst critic but can't find fault . Only critique I could put , was it needs a film classification to get a wider audience ,and a good review on the front cover from a trash tabloid and good broadsheet to appeal and educate a wider audience .

Having not read the headlines in the press at the time of the incident, i sat down to watch the film with a completly unbiased opinion of the story. Having now scene the film, i only have one bias - that is, our true friends are those who stick with us when the chips are down and help pick up us again.

This film is well balanced and researched exmple of a feature length documentary. It does not judge the receivers or givers of pleasure and only focuses on the facts and the humanity of the people concerned.

It is a true testament to the love of a family, circle of friends and an overwhelming sense of dertmination that make one realise anything is possible.