Careful – Colette Brooks, James Thornton

When considering Andrej Lupin’s expansive — and ever-expanding — film catalog (it includes 65 titles as of this writing), one is struck by the director’s range. He’s crafts everything from elaborate sexual fantasies (“Darkness in My Mind,” “Cybersex”), to episodic ensemble pieces (the “Snow Fun” series), and slice-of-life vignettes (“Memories,” “Like Old Times”). With “Careful” he demonstrates his sensitivity, humanity, and keen insight into romantic love and erotic attraction and creates an extended scenario that boasts a near-documentary realism with a level of emotional sincerity that is a delight to witness. James Thornton waits patiently on the street. When his girlfriend, Colette Brooks (making her SexArt debut), descends a staircase to meet him the look of excitement and pleasure on their faces is nothing less than genuine. And as they stroll, hand in hand, back to his place, it is obvious to one and all that this couple is entirely, completely, and joyously in love. Indeed, watching their playful interaction segue gradually into incrementally increasing passion is one of the highlights of the production. Both performers are believable, natural, and unselfconscious — they are absorbed and obsessed with one another, oblivious to the camera, focused and fixated only on giving, receiving, and sharing themselves with each other. “Careful” won’t only stoke your libido, it might just steal your heart.