“The Submission of Emma Marx 2: Boundaries” – New Sensations – Director – Jacky St. James – Cast Penny Pax, Riley Reid, Sara Luvv, Richie Calhoun, Logan Pierce, Van Wylde
***** 5 stars
This week we pull out a five star review from the vault that we first did back in January 2015. Since that time this series and several of it’s stars have won numerous awards over the years and continue to bring their “A” game today. In particular is director jacky St. James, who has gone on to write and direct dozens of award nominated and winners for the Sweet sinner label and others. So check out our original review of this stark, dramatic, eye opening film gem.
It is not very often, whether mainstream or porn, that sequels work as well or better than the original. Most sequels can quickly become forgettable. In the case of this Emma Marx sequel it will simply become unforgettable. It is mesmerizing, strong, powerful and mind numbing. Ms. St. James has taken the story of Emma Marx to the next level in writing the continuing story of this young lady’s life with Mr. Frederick. It grabs your attention right from the start and keeps a hold on you right to the very end.
In this exceptional sequel Mr. Frederick (Richie Calhoun) has had a new contract put together to further define the parameters and actions of their relationship which is that of Dom and Sub in the BDSM world. The new additions to the contract and their relationship will push Emma Marx (Penny Pax) beyond any limits that she may have thought she had. It is a turbulent relationship to be sure, but strangely enough the attraction of deep love is there even at its kinkiest. Still, Emma is faced with so many paths in her search for sexual freedom that one never knows just where this will all end. Then to make it an even more confusing, bewildering and an emotional ride someone from Mr. Fredericks past comes into their lives. All that does is really turns the tables on Emma her emotions and the inner demons that haunt her.
Right from the beginning with Emma having dinner with her sister Nadia (Riley Reid) and her husband (Van Wylde) trying explain what her life is like you can see people don’t get it. What is normal, what is not normal when it comes to a relationship and the sexual part of it? Yet, in private Nadia and her husband decide to try a little something different with a blindfold throughout the entire sex act and find they like it and the excitement it brings. Of course Nadia can’t wait to tell Emma how great it was, but she still has no clue about what Emma’s life really entails and that it is more than what Nadia just experienced. That is the first of only four sex scenes in this movie, as this film and the strory is about much more than just the sex that takes place in this relationship.
Through a lot of narration we begin to see just what Emma’s life entails with her boss, in more ways than one, Mr. Frederick and what she is subjected to, what she is put through, how she reacts and how it brings them together. On the outside she comes across as any normal female on the surface without any hint of what her private life is like. Once that switch gets turned on it is a different story as you can see in the second sex scene that comes almost unexpectedly between Emma and Mr. Frederick. It is playful, but dominating. It is sexual, but controlling. It is a union that brings total pleasure to both. Once again, what is normal?
There is much more that takes place in this exquisite dramatic masterpiece, but I will leave that for you to discover, enjoy and understand. You will be taken inside a niche that is much broader, much larger and much more put to use by couples than most people think. As we said earlier there are just four sex scenes in this film and while they are important to the entire premise, for me they were secondary to the actual story that unfolds before your eyes. The emotion and the wrestling with one’s mind that takes place in this kind of relationship is what will grab you and stay with you..
As for the production it plays like a mainstream film from start to finish. The settings and backdrops are rich, elegant and very textured in an upscale surroundings. Regarding the performances by the cast Riley Reid is perfect as the fun loving sister, Sara Luvv (I wish we’d seen her more) carries out another fine role, Logan Pierce does a very capable job and Van Wylde is fine as Riley’s somewhat befuddled husband. However, this film is dominated by two phenomenal performances by the leads, Penny Pax and Richie Calhoun. Ms. Pax shows off some serious acting chops in showing the vulnerability and deep emotional roller coaster she rides and you can’t help feel for her character. It is an award worthy performance of the highest order. Calhoun plays his role with the perfect sense of control, broodiness, dominance and subtle humor that cannot be ignored at awards time either.
The cinematography is spot on with various shades and textures brought out by the camera that add to the overall canvas of this production. Ms. St. James direction is crisp, well paced and never leaves any doubt about the characters as she lets them fully develop throughout. In addition the music, which surprisingly was done by director Eddie Powell is a perfect complement to this remarkable film.
While mainstream’s “Shades of Grey” is busting it at the box office and certainly has gained a following, this is a perfect addition from an adult standpoint. If you want an adult film that will encompass the mind, make you think and maybe even answer a curiosity or two, then “The Submission of Emma Marx – Boundaries” is absolutely the one to get hold of. You will be entertained and also drawn into Emma’s world in ways you never thought possible from an adult film. I am proud to have this as our “Friday 5 Star Feature” here on AAN.
Art Koch, National Features & DVD Editor, NightMoves Magazine and AAN
