Startlingly good undiscovered gem!
I approached this film with genuine trepidation expecting to wince & cringe my way through it, but as soon as it was over I went right back & watched the whole thing again. It's genuinely a fantastic film. Firstly because of the importance and increasing relevance of the subject, and secondly because it's very well written and wonderfully performed.
Cuckoldry & interracial sex between black men and white women are 100% bona-fide & rapidly growing cultural phenomena of the last couple of decades or so. This film, whilst fairly tame and aimed squarely at the newcomer, manages to give an engaging but above all authentic glimpse into this very real lifestyle. That alone would be achievement enough for such a film, but there is much much more here besides. The film very deftly and sensitively touches upon the multitude of complex societal issues, taboos and interactions involved in cuckolding and sexual relationships between everyday married white women and black men.
The main protagonists occupy unique and often opposing spaces in the cuckold story, as well as in the broader cultural landscape. The film manages to very skilfully illustrate how the ups & downs, twists & turns and crossing paths in all of our lives flow from our background, and from the good & bad choices we make, yet none of those are any guarantee of happiness or fulfillment. A realisation which can change everything, and turn entire lives upside down as priorities are re-examined.
Beginning with an allegorical outline of the genesis of all of these issues (the slave trade) we're then shown how the many prejudices and taboos surrounding these activities were formed and perpetuated through history. We also see how more modern cultural & societal developments have caused some of the old taboos to finally be challenged, and as a result have essentially driven the white women and black men of today directly into each others arms. With the full knowledge and consent of the ladies husbands... or not.
The risks and potential pitfalls associated with all of this are significant and far-reaching, obviously. It follows therefore that those involved must stand to gain something very powerful and of profound value. They do, of course, though the eventual outcomes may be unexpected. All of which is represented very authentically, honestly and beautifully in this film.
Cuckolding relationships and the issues surrounding them are undeniably a very real, and very rapidly growing cultural phenomenon in todays society. The evidence is all around and plain to see if you just care to look. This film is a very authentic illustration. The characters are true to life, finely drawn, and beautifully performed. As you watch the film you discover a level of empathy with all of them. Given the complexity and sensitive nature of the subject, this is no small achievement.
In my view this film is absolutely crying out for a sequel. The unresolved ending is very powerful and perfectly placed, but there is so much potential left untapped. So much more yet to be told about what the future holds for the protagonists. How the films events changed them and shaped their lives afterwards. How they developed and moved forward collectively, in their relationships, and as individuals.
Even if there's no sequel, I will be looking out for more from this extremely talented production team & cast. There doesn't seem to be much out there however, which is a great pity. Films of this quality are all too rare these days, and should be praised and highlighted when discovered. At the very least this one deserves a fresh release with a bit of marketing behind it.
