Even in this day and age, conversations relating to sex are still considered taboo and when it comes to pornography, there is no conversation to be had. Though porn is a huge part of our culture and its consumption within the general public only keeps increasing (especially during the pandemic where it saw a huge spike), it is still a world that is only spoken about behind closed doors. When it comes to its depiction in the mainstream media, apart from Boogie Nights, we barely see any stories that take an inside look at the porn industry and its structures. So it comes as a welcome surprise to the fact that Pleasure, writer-director Ninja Thyberg’s feature-length debut, digs into the LA porn industry from a Swedish immigrant’s experience.
“Pleasure,” answers a confident Bella (Sofia Kappel) to the immigration officer who asks her reason behind arriving in the US. Twenty-year-old Bella has left her Swedish hometown to make it as a porn star in the city of Los Angeles. Bella soon makes her first stride by getting hired by agent Mike (Jason Toler), who also finds her a place in the model house where she meets Joy (Revika Anne Reustle) with whom she forms a close friendship. During her first photoshoot, Bella’s attention is taken by Ava (Evelyn Claire), a new porn star on the block, who is represented by noted adult film agent Mark Spiegler (playing himself). Making inquiries, Bella finds out that the girls signed by Spiegler are considered high pedigree in the industry and are called, “Spiegler Girls.” Immediately Bella makes it her goal to become one of them, even if it means taking on scenes that she had avoided till then.
Porn at its core is an industry that is defined by its consumer and their fetish. Thyberg explicitly points to the conversation in that direction by showing the blatant racism and sexism issue of men still holding power in important places and dictating terms both in front and behind the camera in the porn industry. Specifically, Mike expresses his disdain of only being used in Interracial and Black Fetish scenes just for being Black.
Thyberg also presents a sharp look at consent. Before her first shoot, Bella is given paperwork to sign that is a legally binding document in which she consents “YES” to what is about to happen. Throughout the film, repeatedly it is said that any performer can say “NO” or change their mind at any point during the shoot. But it is not as easy as it seems, especially for a new performer who is trying to make it in the industry. During a deeply uncomfortable rough scene with two men, which showcases sexual assault that goes too far, Bella is humiliated and manipulated into finishing the scene. The scene not only proves to be graphic but also a deeply horrific experience that turns into a nightmare.
It is not just the negative parts of the industry that are the focus. Thyberg also shows how some sets and directors treat their performers with genuine care and respect for their boundaries. While the story has its explicit moments of nudity, most of the scenes are through Bella’s point of view, showing what happens behind the scenes before it is turned into a cinematic experience for the viewers at home. Coming to the exploration of gender roles, power dynamics, friendships, and ambitions to make it to the top, Pleasure showcases that whichever industry you decide to step into, even if it’s the porn industry, the internal problems are universal.
Coming to the cast, it is Kappel who shines in her first ever film as Bella Cherry. She gives one of the most daring, magnetic, and exceptional performances of the year. The way she manages to get under her character’s skin is just so gripping to watch that when the film ends you want to give a round of applause just for her. As far as supporting characters, Thyberg uses actors from the porn industry to capture the realism, expressions, and genuinity of the industry.
Pleasure is a universal tale at its core. Lots of research was done by Thyberg before penning the script, which gives genuine respect to sex work. It is a movie that is going to make many viewers uncomfortable, but in the end, it is a rewarding experience that is done with a deep level of empathy, without judgment, and clear intentions.
