Love, Camera, Action, Beyond OnlyFans

Read Time:3 Minute, 46 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
21 Positions (21 Paraíso)
(adult content) –

Genre: Drama
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 38m
Director(s): Néstor Ruiz Medina
Writer(s): Fernando Barona, Maria Lazaro, Néstor Ruiz Medina
Cast: Mario Alonso, Fernando Barona, Maria Lazaro
Where To Watch: premiering via VOD & leading Digital outlets on December 29, 2023

RAVING REVIEW: How to describe the film 21 POSITIONS… I had an idea of what I would be seeing, but in this, one finds more than just a film; it's a deep dive into the essence of modern love set against the breathtaking scenery of Cádiz's coastline. This narrative masterpiece offers an intimate look into the lives of Julia (María Lázaro) and Mateo (Mario Alonso,) whose existence is in harmony with nature's tranquility and the complexities of the digital age through OnlyFans. Straddling the line between public persona and private intimacy, this film is a unique experience in the cinematic landscape. This is a raw and intimate portrayal of life in a world we rarely see; if I didn’t know better, I would have thought this was almost a documentary.

Director Néstor Ruiz Medina shines by handling 21 POSITIONS, an endeavor that stands out for its storytelling finesse and visual flair. Medina crafts a vivid tale of emotions and experiences through 21 meticulously orchestrated single-take scenes, all shot on the rich textures of 16mm film. This directorial choice immerses viewers in the couple's world, making them silent witnesses to the love, challenges, and intricacies of living a life under the constant gaze of an online audience.

The narrative of 21 POSITIONS transcends the simple love story format, weaving in the socio-economic fabric of rural Andalusia and existential quandaries that underpin the glossy veneer of Julia and Mateo's online personas. This layered story artfully combines primal emotions with contemporary dilemmas, intertwining personal intimacy with public scrutiny in a way that resonates with viewers.

Medina's directorial approach in 21 POSITIONS is as intriguing as the film. Starting with a concise ten-page script, the film blossomed into a richly textured narrative infused with spontaneous improvisation and collaborative creativity. The decision to cast non-professional actors and shoot on actual film infuses each scene with a sense of authenticity and unrepeatable charm that adds depth to the film's portrayal of Julia and Mateo's relationship.

Beyond offering a window into the world of adult entertainment, 21 POSITIONS boldly confronts societal perceptions of sexuality. Medina's keen interest in the human stories behind OnlyFans accounts and the broader societal context of sexual expression provides a fresh lens through which viewers are invited to reassess their notions of intimacy and the role of digital platforms in shaping personal connections. I would have liked to have seen a deeper dive into the stresses of this lifestyle on relationships and the strain involved, but that’s about the best I can think of to critique.

21 POSITIONS is a thoughtful exploration of relationships in the digital age, marked by its thought-provoking themes, stunning visuals, and innovative narrative style. This film is a significant addition to contemporary cinema, deserving recognition at film festivals and within the film community. For those who seek films that challenge the norm and offer a fresh perspective, 21 POSITIONS is an unmissable experience.

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[photo courtesy of MNIBUS ENTERTAINMENT]

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