The Rundown: ‘Body Language’ (VOD Exclusive)
Basics
A wedding is a perfect microcosm of human sexual behavior. That’s why it is also the ideal setting for JoyBear‘s thoughtful exploration of the importance of body language in intimate relationships. As the movie opens, we join the narration of author Mimi (Belle O’Hara) as she muses on the nature of sex and non-verbal communication. Through five scenes, we weave in and out of the sex lives of a wedding’s key players, as Mimi provides context for each intimate encounter.
Scene highlight(s)
The scenario of “Shut Up and Communicate” (scene one) is painfully familiar to most people, if seldom represented in porn. Olivia (Esluna Love), the beautiful bride, recalls a regrettable — if thankfully transitory — disconnect in her prior intimate life. In flashback, we see ex-boyfriend Xavier (Frank Rock) loves performing oral sex on Olivia, but his technique is overblown and largely ineffective. How to convey to this well-meaning lover that he isn’t quite hitting the mark (literally and figuratively)? In a eureka moment, she realizes that subtle (and no-so-subtle) cues in her body movement can guide him in a way that even 10 paragraphs of instruction could never do. This wordless dance plays out through the entire scene in classic, classy JoyBear fashion.
Scene two (“Primal Scream”) shows Mimi and Maria (Eva Ray) stealing away from the festivities for much more than a simple fireside chat. Stifled moans and breath control can convey a meaning all their own! Scene three (“Big Time Sensuality”) finds Silky (Satine Spark) in need of a fast, fun fling. Michael (Max Deeds) misunderstands her intent at first, preferring instead to create a mood of dreamy romance. But they’ll soon be singing the same tune, thanks to cues in body language.
Scene four (“Tempted to Touch”) gets the author/narrator in on the action again as she recalls a particularly memorable Christmas past. Finally, scene five (“The Wedding Night”) returns to the duo (Esluna Love and Marcus Quillan) at the center of the day’s events. Their wedding night isn’t quite what they’d hoped for, but the wedding morning? Well, that’s a different story . . .
Quotable
“Telling stories is the key to better sex. That’s how we learn, how we connect, how we lose our embarrassment. And where better for a sex writer to gather those stories than at a wedding?” (excerpt from the movie’s opening narration)
Why we love it
Relationships are messy. Paradoxically, it’s this relatably human aspect that makes makes them so appealing. Not everything always goes perfectly. There are arguments to be had and moments of confusion to be endured. But in the end, that’s what makes the good times feel so very good indeed. JoyBear walks that fine line of embracing those less-than-perfect moments while still presenting a beautiful, appealing final product. Even if the characters in the scenes encounter a few awkward moments as they feel themselves out, the audience never squirms. Instead, we see it as fuller, freer representation of real, relatable sex.
Ultimately, it’s as if JoyBear’s own body language is smiling, leaning in, and maintaining perfect, supportive eye contact.
