Navigating New Desires in the City of Angels

Read Time:3 Minute, 55 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Becoming Elsa: A Coming of Age Story
(adult content)

Genre: Adult, Fetish, Carnal, Cult Erotica
Year Released: 2018
Runtime: 1h 59m
Director(s): Ricky Greenwood
Cast: Elsa Jean, Charlotte Stokley, Ana Foxx, Cherie DeVille, Abella Danger, Jade Rush, India Summer
Where To Watch: available streaming August 16 at 7 PM BST here www.redemptiontv.net, or available on DVD now, here www.amazon.co.uk or www.salvation-films.com

RAVING REVIEW: Welcome to a tale where a young woman's “sheltered” upbringing in a small Arkansas town starkly contrasts with her awakening in the pulsing heart of Los Angeles. Directed by Ricky Greenwood, this narrative dives deep into the challenges of self-discovery and sexual awakening, all set within the enigmatic walls of a Los Angeles home. With a storyline that eschews the predictable paths of adult cinema, this film enriches each scene with complex emotional layers, capturing the essence of a personal and transformative journey. Now, before we get too deep, this is most definitely a Greenwood film. Make no mistake, but it’s one of the more well-put-together ones I’ve seen.

The film opens with our protagonist stepping into the daunting yet exciting life at UCLA. She quickly finds herself entangled in the intricate dynamics of a boarding house run by a woman whose nurturing presence and enigmatic allure deeply influence her journey of self-discovery. This pivotal relationship unfolds against the richly depicted backdrop of Los Angeles, with a standard-looking late 90s, early 2000s LA home; the film's surroundings never attempt to overshadow the main cast.

From the get-go, Greenwood’s direction is deliberate, allowing for a slow and intricate unveiling of the characters’ inner worlds. The protagonist’s initial encounters with her assertive and sexually confident housemates serve as a sharp contrast to her perceived naivety, effectively setting the stage for her emotional and sexual exploration. A game of truth or dare becomes a crucial turning point, directed to focus on the emotional upheaval rather than mere explicit content.

A standout feature of the film is its approach to erotic scenes, which are crafted with a focus on more depth and connection, avoiding the pitfalls of gratuitous scenes typical of the genre. These moments are striking and pivotal in depicting the protagonist’s evolving relationships.

However, the film isn’t without its faults. Specific character interactions in the early parts seem rushed, which could have provided a richer context for the protagonist’s development. After all, these films are still what they are. Additionally, the limited number of characters within the boarding house setting sometimes makes her world feel unexpectedly insular, diminishing the bustling atmosphere one might anticipate. There could be a lot of explanations for this, but it seemed odd for such a big house.

The film is still a compelling exploration of identity, acceptance, and sexual awakening. The performances, particularly by the lead and supporting cast, are raw and resonate with authenticity, elevating the film well above the norms of its genre. It’s interesting to see some of these actors taking on roles that involve a little more acting (that isn’t just physical.)

This is a bold departure from conventional adult cinema, championing characters and emotional authenticity over simplistic erotic appeal. It invites viewers into a narrative that not only entertains but also provokes reflection on the complexities of growing up and finding one's place in the world. For anyone seeking a film that offers a sophisticated take on adult themes, this is an unmissable experience.

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[photo courtesy of REDEMPTION TV, SALVATION FILMS]

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