A Story Like You’ve Never Seen Before!

Read Time:2 Minute, 15 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Bloom Up (Bloom Up: A Swinger Couple Story)
(adult content) –

Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2022
Runtime: 1h 28m
Director(s): Mauro Russo Rouge
Where To Watch: opens in NY on Friday, August 12, at the Quad Cinema and in LA on Friday, August 19, at the Laemmle Noho, with expansion to follow.

So I had a hard time with this one, not because it wasn’t well done but because I felt overall that the scope was too narrow. It had a lot of potential and an exciting story, but I wanted to know more about this larger world beyond the level we get from the main couple. This is more of a subjective issue than an issue with the film itself. I just needed to say that before diving into the film itself. I didn’t want anyone to think I took issue with the movie for its content or anything like that.

I was impressed with the movie's visual style; I’ve thought about how I want to word my explanation of it for a while. I’ve determined that it reminded me of an intimate portrait that resembled a home video. That still doesn’t justify my thoughts on it but gives a basic idea of what it feels like watching the story unfold. Since my words don’t do it justice, I figured I’d borrow this quote! “Shot in a rich visual style that is deeply sensual without ever feeling vulgar or
exploitative, the film is ‘more emotionally than sexually voyeuristic’” (Screen Daily)

The rawness of the film was shocking to me, not so much the “graphic” elements but the fact that these people put their entire lives out there and didn’t hold back at all. It’s weird to think that you can be entirely exposed on camera yet still manage to be even more profound because of qualities; as the director said, they were “dynamic, exuberant, transgressive, exhibitionist, kind, and with a heart of gold.” The film's couple, Hermes and Betta, are honestly an inspiration. Showing how to live your life the best way you can and not be afraid of who you are.

For more reviews and my YouTube channel, please visit linktr.ee/Overlyhonestmoviereviews

Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Find my social media accounts on most platforms simply by searching Overly Honest Movie Reviews.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about all things movies.