Welcome to “Couples Night with AAN”.  Each Saturday we will have a review of a film, recent past or present, that is couples perfect. The kind of film you can have some adult refreshment and snuggle up with each other and enjoy a night at the movies in a very special way.

This week, we have one for you that not only will get you both real close, but open up your senses to a little different world that is part of many couple’s life.  It centers around the world of BDSM, but this production is masterfully shot and performed. It came out last June and received a lot of award buzz and several nominations. Here is our original review. A great cast, some breathtaking and eye opening encounters and a well constructed story. Get comfy, have some wine, open your mind, dim the lights and be prepared for an interesting night.

Safe Word – Lust Cinema – Director – Erika Lust – Cast – Mona Wales, Julia Rocca, Sara Brown, Mickey Mod and Nina Hartley

****1/2 Stars

The theme of this finely tuned production, BDSM, may not be for everyone’s sexual taste. On the other hand, it may unlock some hidden fantasies for others about this lifestyle and the pleasures gotten from being part of it. For me, I have never indulged, but I have witnessed demonstrations at various expos and seen it done at parties and in many ways, it is a fascinating and erotic way of having sexual pleasure. The one thing that is always present in these sessions is the “safe word” that is used if things begin to get too rough or out of hand.

The story here centers around Christie, very well portrayed by Mona Wales. Christie is a very demanding, over the top, uptight theater director who is, in a word, a bitch. It is her way or the highway without any detours. As she goes along with her demanding ways and feels she can rule anyone a big change begins to come her way in the person of Mickey Mod. He is a new tenant in her building and she has no idea that he is an adult performer whose specialty is the world of BDSM. He sees something in Christie that he feels he can show her domination in a totally different way. Once she begins to know this new person in her life, her world is flipped upside down taking her on a path she never imagined.

Her first foray into this world happens on a night she happens to be in in his apartment and he has his sub, Julia Rocca there being put through her paces by Mickey, complete with blindfold and more Christie is not only shocked by what she is seeing, but also shocked at how aroused it has made her. Back at her place she decides she has to find out more about this way of sexual pleasure, but first she has to satisfy her own immediate urges and we get a very hot, mesmerizing solo scene from Mona that will get to you.

Now immersed in this search for new thrills in this lifestyle Christies seeks out a domineering madam played by adult legend Nina Hartley. Ms. Hartley’s entrance in that skin tight dark gold sequined outfit is eye popping. What takes place between these two is the crux of the film and how it proceeds and ends. There is way of trust and confidence, the safe word and then Nina showing just how this world of dom and sub can be so fulfilling sexually. Ms. Hartley also appears in the final sex scene when Christie make the final journey into this lifestyle with Mickey Mod and his subjects with Ms. Hartley overseeing the transformation.

This is beautifully done production exploring the fantasy and wonder about this lifestyle. Ms. Lust’s directorial style is very well paced to allow the viewer to take in and savor each little happening. The lighting, and visuals are excellent and the performances are top notch in every way as they present everything from solo pleasure to kinky fetish play, voyeurism and the many pleasures it can bring. The addition of a legend like Nina Hartley took this to another level. As we said at the top, the theme and style may not be for everyone, but it is definitely one that will stir the senses, and maybe even some hidden fantasies. Congrats to Ms. Lust and her exceptional cast and crew for an extraordinary production.

Art Koch, National Features & DVD Editor, NightMoves Magazine and AAN

We hope you enjoyed this week’s presentation. Check back with us each Saturday to see what film we have selected just for you and yours. Let the love, romance and sexiness flow like a good wine and have a great weekend and week ahead.

Art Koch, National Features & DVD Editor, NightMoves Magazine and AAN