Source: Adult Industry News
By: Rich Moreland
Darker Side of Desire is a Mile High Media release directed by Jacky St. James and stars Cassidy Klein, Gia Paige, Riley Nixon, Cherie Deville, Mickey Mod, Tommy Pistol, and Michael Vegas. — Rich Moreland Reviewer Rated: Power On!
Shot in HD, the DVD includes a BTS and a slideshow gallery.
Jacky St. James’ name in BDSM porn translates into high quality scripts and engaging visuals. The Emma Marx series (shot for New Sensations) was her initiation into the kink. Following her move to Mile High Media’s Sweet Sinner brand, St. James has another fetish winner in the bank.
Darker Side of Desire is a dandy offering that differs from the BDSM we see in Emma Marx’s experience. In this film St. James and her exceptional cast explore female submission not as Emma’s learned behavior, but as an inborn desire.
Cassidy Klein is terrific as Natalie. The girl craves her fetish but only in her imagination. Tatted Gia Paige portrays Natalie”s friend Sydney who hooks up with a BDSM dom Alex (James Deen) and enjoys a frolic kinksters will love. The sex is rough around its fetish edges while keeping its couples appeal in mind.
Then we have the dynamic starlet, Riley Nixon, whose buzz cut is a fetish in itself. She plays the feminist-leaning Robyn who is into kinky sex on the sly with her lover, Mike (Michael Vegas). It’s a lighter touch that contrasts with Sydney and Alex.
Each sex scene moves the story forward as is Jacky St. James’ habit. Let the sex expand the story, not drive it.
The film follows Natalie’s sexual growth from its vanilla start to a mutually satisfying BDSM relationship with lover Bryce (Mickey Mod). Kinky desires gnaw at her as illustrated by the recurring dream that haunts Natalie’s psyche. It’s a dungeon scene featuring submissive Cherie Deville and her master Tommy Pistol.
Female pleasure is highlighted in this film. There’s lots of kissing, oral gratification, and lover’s talk, characteristic of female-friendly porn brought to you by the preeminent feminist filmmaker in today’s adult industry.
This is not to suggest that the sex isn’t sweet as candy for male viewers. For instance, Cassidy Klein’s oral caressing of Mickey Mod is as much art as porn and Gia Paige is a willing submissive under the tutelage of James Deen.
There’s more. In Natalie’s dream, Tommy Pistol plays the denial game with Cherie Deville. He calls her a “submissive slut” and she responds with “Please Sir, I want it so bad.” Cherie, like the other women in Darker Side, relishes every moment of the sex.
Later, St. James uses Robyn’s carnality as a feminist political statement spurred by a truth or dare drinking game. Sydney confesses to past bondage fun with Alex, an older man she sought out. The traditional feminist in Robyn is disgusted. “you bent over and let some dude spank you and you think you’re in control?”
It drives a wedge between the roomies, but all’s well that ends well as a famous bard once said. With Natalie’s desires satisfied, Jacky St. James wraps up the film with a special feminist nod to Robyn.
Properly restrained with wrist and ankle cuffs in place, Robyn whispers to boyfriend Mike that no one should find out about any of this. The voice over tells us that “sexual fetishes are deeply personal and not to be judged until fully experienced.”
Like her roommates, Robyn has her little secret.
By the way, Riley Nixon is an absolute delight. Her enchanting smile will capture your attention and if you like a buzz cut on a babe, hers is the best.
Jacky St. James and cinematographer Hank Hoffman frame the sex so that it flows perfectly into the narrative. There’s no gonzo-style shooting here, not a chance, no deep throating, gagging, or facials to be found anywhere. Nevertheless, the sex is special because each scene is placed in a progression of kink that leads Natalie and Bryce to their carnal nirvana.
Anything from Jacky St. James is Hollywood ready from the script writing and acting standpoint. Darker Side of Desire is also beautifully filmed. It’s a charmer for everyone involved and highly recommended by this reviewer.
Rating: Power On!
