Pleasure

A raw, vital and ground-breaking exploration of the adult film industry, Pleasure is the unflinching first feature from Swedish writer-director Ninja Thyberg. One of the most audacious breakouts of the 2021 Sundance Film Festival, and featuring professional porn stars playing versions of themselves, Thyberg’s captivating debut is as authentic as it is daring. Adapted from Thyberg’s 2013 prize-winning short of the same name, it follows 'Bella Cherry' (newcomer Sofia Kappel) as she arrives in Los Angeles with dreams of becoming the next porn superstar. Living at a 'model house' with other hopeful performers, she soon develops a supportive friendship with fellow housemate and porn actress Joy, who helps her navigate this seductive new world. However, as her ruthless ambition leads her into increasingly dangerous territory, Bella struggles to reconcile her dreams of empowerment with the realities of the darker side of the business. A taboo-busting depiction of the porn industry, Pleasure addresses powerful ideas of consent and agency in sex work, through a fearless and uncompromising lens.