Just Touch Me – Cameron Hartley, Olivia Beaufort

Sexart’s Alis Locanta likes to challenge himself by tackling complex narratives and ambitious projects. The director also likes to challenge the viewer, upending expectations and subtly toying with cinematic conventions. And his lesbian feature, “Just Touch Me” provides a perfect example of the artist’s edgy and masterful manipulation — the film begins with an ominous soundtrack, immediately establishing mood and atmosphere. Olivia Beaufort is vigorously stroking the pink dildo Cameron Hartley is wearing. Amour is focused, concentrated, intense. Her breathing is heavy, her movements forceful. Westgate is imperious, detached, arrogantly maintaining a strong grip on Amour’s ponytail. Chloe continues to stroke and jerk as if she believes enough effort will coax an explosive ejaculation from the latex phallus. But during the title sequence the mood and setting shift. Now the two brunettes are wearing spring dresses, kissing sweetly and romantically. And sweetness and romance — along with steamy passion and uninhibited desire — color the explicit interlude that then unfolds. Chloe responds with notable vigor and energy as Whitney lovingly licks her clitoris, penetrates, and strokes her to orgasm. And when Whitney is on the receiving end of Amour’s attention her response is more subtle and muted, but every bit as intense. A playful vignette involving two shared lollipops is about as far removed from the film’s opening sequence as possible, but that unexpected contrast is precisely why “Just Touch Me” is so entirely engaging.