GENRE: Couples

DIRECTOR: Candida Royalle

CAST: Amy J. Rapp, Ava Grace, Colin Matthews, Martin London, Nicole London, Michele Capozzi, Paris Phillips

EXTRAS: Two Disc Set, Director's Commentary,
Two Never Before Released Scenes, Behind The Scenes, Photo Gallery, Candida's Scrapbook,
Message From Candida, Natural Contours Trailer, About Candida, Previews

BODY:

It is neither a softly lit romantic romp nor a thrill-a-minute gonzo flick. Even so, "Revelations" stands among the most important adult films ever released; one that is perhaps more relevant today than when it was first produced in 1991.

The film is set in a heavily militarized futuristic society; one in which people live very basic existences in drab conditions, intentionally avoiding any type of pleasurable indulgence.

All forms of adult entertainment have been banned, as have most forms of sexual activity (Goldenmuse would be jumping off a bridge after about two days at this place, but I digress. . .). Married couples copulate for reproductive purposes; at all other times, they avoid and seem sharply suspicious of one another.

In the confines of this society, one woman in particular feels repressed and clearly miserable. Ariel is the wife of a severe conformist -- one who sees her only as an egg donor for his intended crop of 'future world leaders.'

And as bad as she has it, others have it worse; one of her neighbors, in fact, has just been arrested for his possession of adult materials.

Seeking occasional refuge in her friend's abandoned apartment, she marvels at his secret stash; one that includes photos and films depicting sensual couples who revel in the act of lovemaking.

Aside from enjoying and learning from these materials, she tries to share some of her newly found carnal knowledge with her husband -- who not only rejects her new ideas, but begins to reject her and their marriage as well. And in this society, wives who fail to obey their husbands face abandonment and even imprisonment.

Soon her freedom too is threatened -- but, really, was she ever truly free?

"Revelations" is a beautiful and thoughtprovoking work; one that makes compelling statements about free speech and gender equality. It's little surprise that director Candida Royalle serves on the board of directors for Feminists For Free Expression, a groundbreaking free speech organization (Goldenmuse is proud to be on their mailing list!). Her ideas are presented in a strong form here that also manages to be richly sensual.

CONCLUDING WORDS: Although "Revelations" does fall into the category of quality erotica, it also should be viewed as a cautionary tale -- one that is so relevant in these times it's a little scary.

OK, maybe more than a little. . .