Broken Butterfly (The Perfect Shade of Blu) – Holly Randall Productions – Director – Jeffrey John Hart – Cast – Jewelz Blu, Casey Calvert, Lumi Ray, Lexi Luna, Charlotte Sins, Codey Steele.

***** 5 Stars

This film is up for several awards from AVN and XBIZ and a worthy contender. Holly Randall is a top photographer following in the footsteps of her legendary mother Suzy, but also entered the adult film world with her own production company. She created a plot oriented brand that appeal to couples of all ages. With her top notch reputation as a photographer, producer, writer, podcast host, being part of a Holly Randall film is pretty special. That is very evident by the cast appearing in this award nominated release. In addition, through her work previously with writer/director Jeffrey John Hart, the makeup of this film and the various paths it takes make this a must see.

The film is a psychological thriller that will test your own mind, as well as the main character’s. It stars Jewelz Blu as Juliet in a “tour de force” performance. Her character is setting out on a new path with a new job, a new boyfriend, and eager to start. It all looks very promising, but when reality begins to fall apart around her, the past unfortunately rears its ugly head. There are a lot of twists and turns in this film as Juliet tries to navigate her life with help of her therapist (Casey Calvert), her guy (Codey Steele), a co worker (Charlotte Sins) and a therapist in training (Lumi Ray). But the challenges can prove too much for Juliet who is on a dangerous path towards a complete mental breakdown. We get to see up close the reality of what one’s mind is capable of in a destructive and harmful way that can lead to harmful results.

As the film begins, we get glimpses of Juliet in an obviously upset mood, then a glimpse of her conversations with her therapist, It then switches to her first day on the new job and her co worker Charlotte, but she is a bit stand offish with her. After leaving the office and walking down the street, a strange man (Seth Gamble) across the way gives her a long stare. Now we are at home as she and Codey are unpacking things, she comes across a box that says “do not open” and it will be a key part of the story later on. The boyfriend gives her a little kiss and caress and then next we see them in bed. Codey is pumping away, but Juliet is not into it and her mind is elsewhere as she sees in and out visions of their darkened living room.

Juliet’s boss (Lexi Luna) tries to find out what her new employee’s problem is but Juliet says she is fine and will be okay, which the boss doesn’t believe. Leaving the office that same man is now up the street staring at her. Once home Codey tries his best to comfort her. Once again Juliet is not into it, but now strange images of her past life begin to emerge making her almost ready to crack.

Now Juliet and her therapist have a session and it is a heart tugging, mind blowing scene. There is also a brief scene with Lumi Ray that is outstanding. But this session finally begins to bring things full circle. Back home with Codey she tries to give him what he wants, but once again the images that splatter her mind now include everyone and everything bringing her to a breaking point. She is beside herself as every turn haunts her with more images of her past. It is emotionally riveting in every way. The end result of all this trauma and playing with the mind becomes evident in the very last scene that involves Juliet, Codey and Charlotte. We will leave the rest up to you to discover how this plays out.

This is one very explosive, edge of your seat experience that will grab you. The mixing of the visuals in the scenes are exceptionally well done. The cast is tremendous and Jewelz Blu offers up an award worthy dramatic performance with all the right nuances between real and imagined. The writing really brings out the characters in this concept from Jeffrey John Hart. It has the award noms, next come the wins. Do not miss this one.

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