On the surface, there are two ways to look at the film “Pleasure.” One, an explicit drama that made waves at the Sundance Film Festival in 2020. Or two, a hot potato so hot, an edgy film studio lost its nerve and passed it on to another edgier studio. That’s kinda the story of “Pleasure,” a titillating drama in and around the Los Angeles porn/adult film industry, sold to A24 out of Sundance, but after some potential buyers remorse, they sold the movie to Neon, a rival studio with a similar reputation for releasing edgy or even transgressive art house films (but not that transgressive I guess).
READ MORE: Sofia Kappel Is Simply Phenomenal In The Thought-Provoking ‘Pleasure’ [Sundance Review]
The issue was, evidently, the fully uncensored cut. When A24 first bought the film, they allegedly promised they would release the full uncensored version, as well as an R-rated cut. Apparently, those plans or talks broke down, and Neon said it intended only to premiere the unedited version last year. Either way, our Sundance review raved, especially about the lead. “The movie’s secret weapon, of course, is Kappel in one of the most impressive debut performances in recent memory.”
Here’s the official synopsis:
Pleasure takes a look at the Los Angeles porn industry through the lens of newcomer Bella Cherry (Sofia Kappel). Strong, self-confident, but naive, Bella believes she can mold the corrupt system to satisfy her needs. But, in the end, she must confront whether she’ll pay with her soul for stardom or not.
Directed by Ninja Thyberg, “Pleasure” stars Sofia Kappel, Revika Anne Reustle, Evelyn Claire, Chris Cock, Dana DeArmond, and Kendra Spade.
While it all sounds risqué, in its examination of the porn industry and the power dynamics of managers and male-dominated sets, last year, Neon noted in a statement that Thyberg uses nudity to “expose rather than titillate.”
Regardless, even without a release and reviews only from film festivals, “Pleasure” has created quite the stir. We’ll all find out what all the fuss is about soon. Neon plans to release “Pleasure” on May 13, 2022. Watch the official trailer below.