Transition – Transsemsual Films – Director – Nica Noelle – Cast – River Stark, Aspen Brooks, Erica Lauren, Roman Todd and Mercedes Carrera

First, let me be totally honest here and say this is the very first TS film I have ever reviewed. Not because I am against it, which I am not, but more because it is not my field of expertise or something that I have followed in film or real life. Now, that being said, when I heard that porn star Mercedes Carrera, who I enjoy immensely, was doing her very first TS film and the subject matter, my curiosity was peaked.

Once I saw the trailer I was literally blown away by the story line, concept, acting and the overall production. I knew this was a film I needed to do a review on. It is based on the true story of TS performer River Stark and beautifully put together by Nica Noelle both from both a writing and directing standpoint. Add to that powerful performances by Ms. Carrera, Stark and the rest of the cast and this is a must see film.

It all begins when Angie (Mercedes Carerra) is spending her last moments with her husband James (River Stark) before he goes off to war. It is a very emotional time for them both and after he leaves Angie is faced with life without him, but she has no idea what the future holds. Time passes and next we see a happy Angie getting ready for the homecoming of James, a day she has waited for. However, before that we see a scene with James and a narrative explaining that she will see a different James as he applies makeup to his face.

Now he has returned home and it is a very warm, loving exchange between the two of them Angie has been without him for so long that now she wants more from him, she wants intimacy. As she pushes him for that he goes off and says “No!” and that causes her to leave the room crying, wondering what is wrong. They begin to talk and she wants to know if it is another woman, he says not exactly and then  Angie, still wanting him grabs him and feels something isn’t right and under his shirt she finds out what has happened when she sees a full pair of women’s breasts. It shocks and horrifies her and she leaves the room crying as James just stands there, a look of despair on his face. James packs up and leaves knowing his life with Angie is over. He goes to an ex (Erica Lauren) for some solace, compassion and sex.

In the meantime Angie is distraught and needs to see if she can understand this new life that James has taken on. Angie winds up in a relationship with TS Aspen Brooks trying to discover what this world is all about and if there is still a way she and James can make a go of it. James has an encounter with Roman Todd. But it is the final sex scene that ties everything together. The scenes are riveting, emotional and really tell the story. There are a number of times when it is the looks of those involved that tells the story without the dialogue.

There is so much more I could tell you about this film but I don’t like to spoil it for the viewer, so get this DVD and enjoy a great adult entertainment experience. There is no question in my mind that this production will be up for a number of award nominations in several categories come awards time. The performances are packed with realism, intensity, passion and understanding. River Stark and Mercedes Carrera, in one of her best ever roles, stand out. Nica Noelle’s direction is fluid, well paced as she weaves a tapestry of emotions that deliver on every level. The cinematography is top notch with visuals that take you right inside the character’s makeup. As for the sexual scenes, while they may not be everyone’s cup of tea, they are extremely powerful and executed in a very emotional and beautiful way. The title is perfect not only for the main theme, but for so many other things that take place within the people involved.

This is a slice of life that is becoming much more open and prevalent in our society today, It is no longer a subject matter or life choice that is hidden away in dark corners. I strongly recommend getting hold of “Transition” from Transsensual Films, my “Friday 5 Star Feature” on AAN.

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