Control ~ Reviewer Rated

A film by B Skow starring Skin Diamond, Claire Robbins, Darla Crane, Scott Lyons, Kurt Lockwood, and Alec Knight. Distributed by Girlfriends Films. Rich Moreland Reviewer Rated: Power on!

Control is one of the most cleverly written and directed adult films in recent years. B Skow has framed a story of survival that operates on different levels. Skin Diamond plays a “collared slave” to her “master” Alex (Scott Lyons). A shy neighborhood lass, Katie (Claire Robbins), is intrigued by their kinky relationship which she discovers by peeping in windows. Confronted by Skin, Claire is eventually seduced and slave trained, falling into a three-way with Skin and Alex. In the meantime, Katie’s stripper mother (Darla Crane) entertains her boyfriends at home much to Katie’s discontent.

The film has racial overtones (Skow uses contrasting black and white as a motif throughout the story) and the viewer is left guessing who is in control as the narrative plays out. Using a BDSM lifestyle theme, Skow overlays the slavery theme with a modern twist. Skin is African-American and Alex is white, but who is in control? In BDSM fashion, it may be the submissive, but when Skin introduces Katie into the mix, what happens then?

For adult film fans who want hardcore action without plot, be advised that Control is not a gonzo production. The story is king and Skow fits the sex scenes to the narrative. Incidentally, in his features Skow uses the best veteran talent available and here he has scored winners all around.

Skin Diamond carries the film with artistic skill. Her acting is easily Hollywood quality. Claire Robbins is the perfect choice for the reserved Katie whose mind is as perverted as her anal frolic with Martin (Kurt Lockwood) in the film’s hottest scene. Scott Lyons’ whiny, unfulfilled, and self-centered Alex is a fit for a “master” who is more devious than he appears. His sex scenes with Skin are sensational because this is Skin Diamond and what more need be said!

And, of course, Darla Crane and Alec Knight are exceptional veterans who add the vanilla touch necessary to contrast with Katie’s deviancy.

For Skow fans who want to appreciate the nuances of the story, don’t ignore its focal points: The Celtic Cross and the shed where Spartan living quarters welcome slaves. Both show up repeatedly as images and omens.

In the shed, the black and white power imbalance plays out when Skin hisses the epitaph “boy” at Alex as he watches her have sex with Katie. Also, pay attention to Alex’s misogynist attitude. He talks about collecting female slaves like “prize ponies” at the fair. In fact, he even transports a bound Skin in a livestock trailer.

Be forewarned that a sinister pall hangs over this film and Skow’s quirky, creepy story telling sends another chilling message. Hints abound when the self-confessed “sex offender dude” Martin comes onto the scene to grab Katie in a faux rape that delights her carnal fantasies.

If there is any doubt that B Skow is a genius, this film dispels it. Watch and enjoy the illusions, reversals, and unexpected twists Control offers.

[For a more in-depth analysis of Control please go to 3hattergrindhouse.com/2015/03/02/a-celtic-cross-an-analysis-of-b-skows-control/ -Ed.]