With the award-winning 14-minute short film I Want Your Love, writer/director Travis Mathews presented something all too elusive in gay cinema - a realistic, completely unsimulated sex scene - as romantic as it was titillating. Here now is his feature-length adaptation. The drama follows a small group of gay friends centred around a young artist named Jesse. Out of cash, Jesse is reluctantly planning to leave San Francisco, his home city for the past ten years, and return to the Midwest. Above all, he does not want to leave all of his close friends. On his last night in town, his pals decide to throw him a wild going-away party. Soon, flirting ensues, relationship dynamics are questioned and hidden attractions become apparent-leading to several pairings and some incredibly entertaining sex scenes that celebrate the messiness and vulnerability of first-time encounters between friends. While the film features graphic depictions of sex rarely seen outside of pornography - real erections, penetrations and ejaculations included - Mathews injects a lot of humour and heart into the proceedings. The sex scenes feel honest and essential rather than shocking or gratuitous. With a colourful setting, unique cinematography and absolutely charming performances, I Want Your Love is a ground-breaking American indie. Cast: Jesse Metzger, Brontez Purnell, Wayne Bumb, Peter DeGroot, Ben Jasper
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