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Pleasure (18) (AD) + pre-recorded Q&A

Preview screening

,Barbican Cinema 3
A young woman looks around at a pool party in a still from Pleasure

Sofia Kappel gives a complex debut performances as hopeful porn star-in-waiting Bella Cherry, in director Ninja Thyberg’s unsentimental look at the LA adult film industry.

Ambitious and determined to make a name for herself, Bella starts out fresh and optimistic in her new world, keen to learn as much as she can alongside her roommate Joy (Zelda Morrison).

Bella has positive professional experiences, notably under female direction, that separate fiction from working culture. And yet, male entitlement is pervasive, and eventually begin to take their toll.

Thyberg’s direction gives a clear sense of the industry’s problems and where exploitation lies, while giving Bella and her fellow professionals respect for their work, outlining that power, rather than pleasure, is the root of its evils. 

This preview screening includes an exclusive recorded Q&A with director Ninja Thyberg and star Sofia Kappel hosted by film critic Hannah Strong. 
 

Tagged with: Cinema New releases

Sweden/Netherlands/France 2021 Dir Ninja Thyberg 109 min

Please note, this film contains instances of sexually abusive behaviour, strong sex, nudity and sex references. 

There is audio description available for this title. We provide audio description using the Dolby Screentalk system. The film soundtrack comes through the speakers in the usual way and a recorded narrator explains what is happening on screen through personal headphones. Please ask a member of staff for a set of headphones.

Review

‘Thyberg’s keen eye for the small acts and details of “the business” – makes Pleasure a far more interesting, gripping and refreshing film than its subject matter might suggest. ‘
Adrian Horton, Guardian

Barbican Cinema 3

Location
Barbican Cinema 2 & 3 are located on Beech Street, a short walk from the Barbican’s Silk Street entrance. From Silk Street, you’ll see a zebra crossing that will take you across the road to the venue. 

Address
Beech Street
London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.