When it comes to cult films, some movies get traction right out of the gate, garnering awards, accolades, and excellent box office returns. Yet some great films go under the radar. Here are 7 intriguing cult adult films that you may have missed, yet these are works that will reward the inquisitive viewer.
What is an adult film? Often it references sexuality laid bare before our avid gaze. Sometimes it speaks to sophisticated subject matter or a whiff of existential dilemma. Did we mention sexy? Dim the lights, set the stage, and enjoy! For more ideas on the topic of adult films, consider these suggestions by IMDB.
Nymphomaniac – Volume 1 (2013)
Nymphomaniac is the third part in what has been called writer/director Lars von Trier’s Depression Trilogy, following Antichrist and Melancholia. Nymphomaniac features a stellar cast including Charlotte Gainsbourg, Stellan Skarsgård, Stacy Martin, Shia LaBeouf, Christian Slater, Jamie Bell, Uma Thurman, and Willem Dafoe. The plot centers around a man discover a beat-up woman and his aiding her leads to a conversation that ties-up all of von Trier’s usual obsessions about the human condition: sexuality, theology, menace, redemption, plus there is a unifying metaphor concerning fly-fishing. Endeavor to catch Nymphomaniac, which many consider one of the best cult adult movies on Netflix.
Quills (2000)
Quills, directed by Philip Kaufman, is the fictional account of the final years of the Marquis de Sade. Purists may argue that this period piece is not historically accurate, but this is a conceptionally rich work of cinema craft. Quills takes on the final period of de Sade’s imprisonment in an insane asylum. History lesson: the Marquis de Sade is the inspiration for sadist. Quills garnered acclaim for Geoffrey Rush’s Marquis, plus demanding and extracting powerful performances from Joaquin Phoenix, Michael Caine, and Kate Winslet in a work that is breathtaking, perceptive, sensual, and psychologically inquisitive.
Fallen (2008)
From the auteurs at Wicked Pictures, directed by Brad Armstrong, and starring Jessica Drake, Fallen rises to inspiring heights for those viewers inclined to appreciate the erotic morality tale of an angel stripped of her wings when the earthling she was sent to watch over dies. Lonely on earth, the erstwhile angel falls in with some interesting characters and experiences adventures of a carnal variety. Lesson: Your mother was right, and you are known by the company you keep. The cinematography and the cast of Fallen are heavenly, while the premise is amusing. Earthbound angels are likely to get stuck in the muck, but it can be a great deal of fun to watch the Fallen navigate new terrain.
Friend of the Family (1995)
Friend of the Family is part of the Elke’s Erotic Nights series. Directed by Edward Holzman from a screenplay from Holzman and April Moskowitz, the story is based on one of the classic plot types: A stranger comes to town and changes the lives of those who she/he comes in contact with. Here we have a comely and sensual free-spirit with the proverbial heart of gold who endeavors to help a family with their issues and nothing is too personal, romantic, or verboten for this family helper to attempt understanding between family members. Family counseling never looked so good as in this soft-core erotic fantasy. Friend of the Family puts the fun in dysfunctional!
Secrets of a Chambermaid (2000)
Directed by Adele Bertei, this film proves that where there’s a will, there’s a way. It has everything that you want in a cult film: hot actors such as Michael Ensign, Johnny Green, Gladise Jiminez, and Amy Lindsay, a story that demands our attention, and sexy, steamy action. Premise: a wealthy woman passes on and her friends and relatives meet to grab the goodies or put it another way, all present are awaiting of the deceased’s last will and testament. What else do you do while waiting? You have steamy sexual assignations, that’s what! Add a comely chambermaid with a body that makes you want to get dirty, and a possible voyeur and things can quickly get interesting.
Sexual Chemistry (1999)
Before Breaking Bad there was Sexual Chemistry, directed by Mike Sedan and featuring the talents of Jeff Xander, Stephanee LaFleur, Chanda Marie, and Raisa Ivanic. Concept: Robert, an ambitious chemist, needs to get the goods on a sex-enhancing drug, trying it himself to make that ever-important hard deadline. The news is mixed: The new drug enhances his libido, but it comes with a side-effect that turns Robert into Roberta. Now, with the clock ticking our scientist seeks to discover a vital epiphany. Watch this cult gem and discover what Sexual Chemistry can do for you!
Forbidden (2001)
Starring the talents of Dillon Morgan Silver, Renee Rea, Tracy Ryan, and Jason Schnuit, and directed by Robert Kubilos, Forbidden is a tale that revolves around that classic life lesson that bears repeating: The one-night stand is always more than just one night. Always. For an extra morality lesson, we learn that Forbidden fruit is often the juiciest and that when you friend gets married, then you may really be ready to catch the bride’s garter. Share this film with someone that you care about.
Adult cult cinema is entertainment based on classic themes, solid scriptwriting, superlative acting, and timeless plot, that as filmsite says, have that something extra. Cult films, as with all great cinema including this year’s emerging cult favorites as seen in Filmthreat astound. Enjoy one and contemplate the gifts that timeless storytelling offers.