Duplicity – Wicked Noir – Director – James Avalon – Cast – Freya Parker, Evelyn Claire, Diana Grace, Steve Holmes, Charles Dera, Jay Romero

Film noir was a big part of the Hollywood movie scene back in the 1940’s with stylish, melodrama set films done in black and white with a cynical edge to them. In this adaptation, written by director James Avalon, he gives this genre a 21^st century look and feel. Like several other directors in adult films, Avalon shows you can get more with less in utilizing a cast of just six performers. The skills and performances of these six, plus the settings and how it is paced, make it all seem much bigger in scope. Then you add in Axel Braun as the film’s producer and you know that it will be something special and you will be in for a very enjoyable and entertaining treat.

The basic premise of the story has Freya Parker, an up and coming adult star, who really gives a tremendous performance, as a woman who is totally consumed by jealousy. Why? It is all because her best friend goes on to marry the man she was in love with. You know what they say about a woman scorned. Freya stays friends with the couple but for one reason only and that soon becomes obvious. She is out for revenge and sets out to sabotage and ruin their happiness and marriage. The question is will she be successful in her quest or will everything backfire and cause a lot more damage to her and everyone else in other ways?

Right from the start of this film, the music, the black and white images, the cinematography you are transported back in time, Then we begin to see the story unfold as Freya Parker (Zeena) and Charles Dera (Mike) finish up an intense sexual encounter and he tells her he never wants to see her again. That sets her off and then we come to the present day. She is all dressed in a glittery out for evening outfit, mulling over drinks and taking the wedding invitation and tearing it to shreds. She is then summoned by Steve Holmes (Bentley), who is Mike’s father, for some play time. Here we see Zeena in all her naked glory playing with herself and teasing him before they get it on in one very hot, balls to the wall encounter. But the ending of this encounter is also the ending of Steve thanks to Zeena and a spiked drink and more mystery arrives. Mike and Molly are about to make love when he gets a call that Bentley is dead and this sets him off.

Time passes and now these two lovebirds are married and settled in their new home. All is going well until Molly gets a message from Zeena that she is coming to visit. Mike isn’t for it and doesn’t want her, but Molly says Zeena is her best friend and can’t understand why he doesn’t like her. Now things will really get interesting for everyone concerned. Zeena shows up and has a mysterious air about her. Mike wants no part of it but Molly wants to hear her friend’s story and it seems part of it is that Bentley left Mike a huge sum of money. Plus Zeena goes on about her “secret” job roping Molly in like a fish on a hook. She leaves to get some wine for the three of them and that’s when Zeena lets Mike know she is not playing games and will spill everything to her so called best friend as this becomes quite heated before Molly returns. She decides to let her stay with them for a couple of days and Mike is furious about it, but Molly wins out and Zeena stays and continues to put her plan in motion.

So what happens, how does this all play out. I will  tell you that the “lady in red” segment really starts the ball rolling in a revenge way. We will let you find out for yourself, but you are in for some surprises in this stylish, exceptionally done film from Braun and Avalon. The script, settings and cinematography capture the noir genre perfectly. The pacing, expressions and movements of the characters are is perfect harmony and the music is hauntingly right for all that takes place. The acting by Charles Dera and Freya Parker is exceptional. This is a very award worthy production that will garner a number nominations along the way. If you like mysteries, sex, twists and turns, sex and solid entertainment, then this is the one to put on your “must have” list. We eagerly look forward to more from Wicked Noir in the future.

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