JEZEBEL (2019)

Written & Directed By: Numa Perrier 
Cinematography: Brent Johnson 
Editor: Brittany Lyles 

Cast: Tiffany Tenille, Numa Perrier, Stephen Barrington, Bobby Field, Zoe Tyson, Rockwelle Dortch, Charlie Taylor 

In the last days of her mother's life, 19 year old Tiffany crashes with five family members in a Las Vegas studio apartment. In order to make ends meet, her older sister, a phone sex operator, introduces her to the world of internet fetish cam girls. Tiffany becomes popular as the only "live black model" at the new adult site and soon becomes too close to one of her frequent callers. Dynamics shift in the sister relationship as each woman explores and exploits their sexuality, using their created fantasy worlds as an escape from the realities of their challenging real life circumstances. This bizarre coming of age story depicts sisterhood in a most unusual way.

This feels like a film where the air is constantly let out in half the scenes. Where they are supposed to be building instead they are deflating. That actually feel like they are slowing down the tale.

The film is sexual but not as explosive as you would think. As the camera turns away from most nudity and sex. Though explores sexuality thoroughly to a degree. Especially more the use of seduction as power. Even when you have little to nothing going for you.

The film feels like it’s a bit late. As it seems set in the 1990’s where it might have made a bigger splash. As there is a absense of modern technology.

The film Seems to want to come off as controversial and open the eyes of the audience to behind the scenes tricks of the trade but feels kind of late as it is hard to shock a modern audience.

As the film tries to show the drama of these situations and what the character is gong through that drives her to this. As well as what is happening and she is going through. The film tries to give a more raw independent view but it comes off as melodrama.

Which kind of works as every time you think it might go down a more tragic or dirty way the film stays on point and doesn’t Get distracted. Which is refreshing.

The film chooses not to sensationalize making anything erotic plain and seem more part of everyday life. As the film drives towards something but never seems to get there. Even scenes and themes that sound or feel tragic never goes there. Though The film feels constantly like tragedy with little joy or happiness of any.

The only time the film comes alive or makes a sharp point is when the protagonist is nonchalantly called the N word by a customer and while she is upset and everyone treats it like a simple insult. That is to be expected like being called bitch or sluts by customers. Which they can’t understand how it the insult feels more personal And hate filed rather then just derogatory.

The film ends hopefully and ambiguously.

GRADE: C