So Let’s Make Things Physical – Outfest LA 2019

By starrymag | September 10, 2019

By: Sam Frost

 

 

So Let’s Make Things Physical is a powerful grouping of short films that explores many different aspects of sexual experiences. From first lesbian experiences, to navigating hook-up culture, to polyamory to Shibari, these stories have heart and power and don’t hold back. They’re a reminder that “getting physical” can mean all sorts of things in all sorts of relationships and it’s something to embrace and be proud of.

 

 

THROUPLE

 

Joni, a hungover stripper (Aisha Jade), finds more than what she was expecting. After throwing up in a bowl of blessed rice, her customers Ben and Becca (Tim Karasawa and Montana Pine) invite her to breakfast. They slowly form a relationship that neither parties expected, but end up equally enjoying.

 

Director Chrissie De Guzman’s film portrays the intricacies and jealousies that can come with having more than one partner while also focusing on the love that exists between the characters. The film goes back and forth between scenes with the couple and scenes at the strip joint.

 

Throuple manages, in a very short space, to shine a positive light on polyamory and sex work. The juxtaposition between these scenes also allowed for drastic lighting differences, which tend to shadow the thoughts going on in the main character’s head. If you’re looking for something that veers away from the expected and warms your heart, this one’s for you!

 

 

SINKED UP

 

Elsie (Lexi Pappas) and Frankie (Morgan Smith) are roommates that slowly turn to lovers. The film Sinked Up portrays the difficulties faced when someone isn’t “out.” We see the hurt from both sides and witness how these situations can tear apart couples.

 

Director Raechel Zarzynski shoots the whole movie from the bathroom, which causes some up-close and personal action. It forms a sense of intimacy which couldn’t have been brought about in a larger space. While having a unique filming space, this film also uses the trick of going back forth between present and past. We watch a fight break out between the girls in the bathroom and throughout the fight there are flashbacks to earlier, better times.

 

Sinked Up is a unique take on a sad but common story. It’s a must see for anyone looking for an intense but loving peak at a relationship.

 

 

SHIBARI

 

For those unaware, Shibari is an erotic art form involving rope bondages. Chloé (Chloé Imbroglio) arrives in Tokyo to find her interview on the art is going to be more intense than she expected. From the moment Claire (Claire Suchet) sits down to talk with the new arrival the tension is real. Soon, Chloé learns that the best way to learn about something is to experience it.

 

Thanks to Cinematographer Alexandre Bartholo the lighting is dark, which only adds to the tension between these women. They’re left to their own devices and pleasures and what ensues is a portrayal of pure art.

 

This film Shibari by director Robin Entreinger brings light to an intense erotic experience while also touching on the human experience, causing the audience to take a look at their own desires. Watch to explore and expose yourself to something new.

 

 

MUDPOTS

 

Young love runs wild in the film Mudpots. Shelby (Sara Anne) is upset because she’s about to move away and she doesn’t want to be around anyone because she’s afraid of the gossip.

 

Jess (Annika Foster) plans a secret going away party for Shelby and makes her see how loved she is. While running around in gurgling mud pits, the girls fall and laugh and lie together, which leads to them finally expressing some withheld emotions.

 

Director Cate Smierciak leaves the ending melancholy and unresolved, but this only adds to the tension of the film. This is the perfect story for anyone looking for something realistic and honest.

 

 

HOMIES

 

Homies takes a look at the intricate details of hook-up culture. It’s the story of two best friends (Anh Kim Hoang and Cristina M. Ibarra) who are having causal sex. It shows the feelings involved while also taking into consideration that the risk of putting yourself out there is much higher when the person that you’re admitting feelings for is also a best friend.

 

Ina Espiritu as writer-director shares a story of hidden love that isn’t sure how to surface. The settings are very modern: a minimalistic bedroom with joints burning and a slam poetry reading. This creates a sense of urgency and makes it feel relatable in the sense of right now. In a culture that runs on online dating and unexpressed emotions, Homies has something for everyone.

 

 

AUTOMATE

 

AutoMate is set in the near future where things are mostly the same except for larger, brick-like phones and dating apps that lead to a “guaranteed perfect match.”  We watch as Riley (Alex Duncan), a well-kept and hardworking architect, meets up with Sam (Katie Stuart) who is a jobless extrovert with no filter. The women are shocked to meet each other and decide it must be a mistake, but end up taking a chance and having some fun.

 

Director Steve Schwartz’s directing style is very clean-cut and sharp. It gives off a futuristic vibe while also mirroring Riley’s attitude. AutoMate really makes you wonder if opposites do attract and it’s a perfect match for anyone looking for something simple but heart-warming.