![]() Though the feature isn't especially entertaining in the traditional sense (it certainly isn't fun), it's a consistently challenging and compelling affair that manages to be explicit enough to feel as though it's doing its taboo subject justice (and to be genuinely shocking at times) but not so explicit as to feel as though it's overly gratuitous or insensitive. I suppose this is how it manages to be both empathetic and non-judgemental towards the women who seek a career in porn and unsympathetic towards the men who take advantage of them. ![]() Perhaps its goal is to be as realistic as possible, not necessarily impartial but not forceful in its implied assertions. Whether or not that is its intention is unclear, especially considering that the flick does go out of its way to include both the good and the bad parts of its protagonist's journey. ![]() If porn is something you're into, I can see this actually putting you off. Having said that, the overwhelming feeling that this picture provokes is undeniably icky. The picture constantly presents this push-pull between how the porn industry ought to work and how it actually does, remaining relatively neutral to the concept but condemning its execution. It stands in stark contrast to a similar scene shown just minutes earlier, the shooting of which has its star surrounded by people who make sure she's comfortable and genuinely feel as though they're concerned for her safety (it's no accident that a lot of these people are women). The most notable of these is the filming of a rough and degrading three-way scene which our protagonist continues to consent to only because she has no other option - which, of course, means she doesn't consent at all. ![]() Indeed, there are a few scenes which are incredibly difficult to watch. This frank and unapologetic exploration of the Los Angeles porn industry almost feels like an exposé at times, with its naturalistic presentation granting it a fly-on-the-wall feel which makes its more shocking moments all the more upsetting. This is a miserable series about miserable people I guess that's supposed to be the miserable idea of it all, there's something wrong with every person in the series, no one is normal, what a terrible take on Sweden!, I know this is a story I'm going to tell which might get this review not approved, years ago I had a student from Iran who grew up in Sweden, she once said nobody smiles there and that if someone smiles it's because they're either drunk or crazy, now I understand more, the faces the faces of these actors and actresses, egads!, did they pick the most unattractive people they could find?, the furrowed brows the motionless faces the wide eyes the stupid stares, I don't believe it's people acting I think the people decided to do a show like this and put their own personalities into the characters which yikes please show me a cliff to jump off of!, I endured this for you!, I'm your Jesus of the reviewers ha who hath sacrificed himself soeth you don't have to watch this dreadful shlop, amen.'Pleasure (2021)' isn't exactly an enjoyable experience, and the irony of its title doesn't seem lost on writer-director Ninja Thyberg. ![]()
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