I approached this film with genuine trepidation expecting to wince & cringe my way through it, but actually I ended up watching the entire thing through for a second time as soon as it was over. It really is a fantastic film. Firstly because of the importance and increasing relevance of the issues it covers, and secondly because it's so well written & presented and wonderfully performed.
First the issues. Cuckoldry & interracial sex between black men and white women are 100% bona-fide & rapidly growing cultural phenomena of the last couple of decades or so. This film acts as a relatively tame yet still interesting but above all authentic portrayal for the newcomer. That alone would be achievement enough for the film, but there is so much more here besides. The film also very skilfully portrays the multitude of complex societal issues and taboos which surround cuckolding and sex between white women and black men, from the individual perspectives of the films characters who each occupy very unique and often opposing spaces in the racial and cultural landscape. Beginning with an allegorical history lesson outlining the genesis of all of these issues (the slave trade) we're cleverly shown how the many prejudices and taboos surrounding these activities were formed and perpetuated. We also see how more modern cultural & societal developments have caused the old taboos to finally be overcome, and have essentially driven todays white women and black men into each others arms, often with full knowledge and consent of the ladies husbands.
The risks and potential pitfalls associated with these relationships are gigantic. It follows therefore that those involved must gain something truly powerful and profound from them. They do of, course, shown very authentically honestly and beautifully in this film.
That these relationships, marriages, and the issues surrounding them are very real and extremely rapidly growing phenomena in todays society is undeniable. Just look around you. This film is a very authentic and beautifully drawn illustration. The characters are very finely drawn, very true to life, and beautifully performed. Incredibly, as you watch the film you can find a degree of empathy with all of them. Given the complexity and inflammatory nature of the subject matter, this is no small achievement.
In my view this film is absolutely crying out for a sequel. The unresolved ending is very powerful and perfectly placed, but there is so much untapped potential. So much left on the table. So much more yet to be told about what happened next to these characters. How the films events changed them and shaped their lives afterwards. How they moved forward collectively, in their relationships, and as individuals.
Even if there's no sequel, I will certainly be looking out for more from this extremely talented production team & cast. There doesn't seem to be much out there however, more's the pity.
At the very least this film deserves a full-bore DVD release (or re-release) as it 's unique, important, and doesn't seem to be available anywhere(!)
