Cherry

In the tone-setting debut of this ambitious, new episodic series, writer/director Kay Brandt delivers a stylish feature that captures viewers’ imaginations early and leaves them wanting more by the closing credits. From the moody lighting and darkly erotic soundtrack to the smart dialogue and compelling set-ups, Brandt provides all the necessary tools for her actresses to flourish.

The result is believable, emotionally charged performances that create a sense of palpable drama, lifting Brandt’s virgin effort for her JewelBox Films imprint to exceptional levels.

Digital Playground contract star Riley Steele joins Sinn Sage and mainstream actress Judy Thompson in anchoring the terrific cast in an intricate story about love, lust, jealousy and control.

Thompson’s Cherry character is the domineering owner of a totally nude, all-girl strip club, where Steele (Harlow) is her star dancer and Sage (Winterlynn) is the promising new prospect. How will Winterlynn fit in with the other girls and Cherry’s demanding clientele? And how will her arrival affect Harlow’s already complex relationship with Cherry? That’s the main premise of Episode One, and the subplots unfold from there.

Some of the imagery in “Cherry” is nothing short of sensational, such as Riley Steele finger-fucking Lux Kassidy from behind with the two bathed in golden light on the edge of a bathtub. It would be difficult to find a hotter pair of blonde hard-bodies working in porn today.

Then there is the closing sex scene with the sly and sexy, Nixie (Vicki Chase), a house dancer who seduces and then ravishes first-time club-goer, Marina (AnnMarie Rios). They gyrate on stage together in sizzling fashion before things turn intimate in a beautiful scene.

In the movie’s most intense sequence, the would-be rookie Winterlynn faces a punishing initiation in the dressing room after coming face to face with Eternity (Nina Mercedez), Harlow and Nixie, who force-fuck her into submission. The torrid session — carefully shot and courageously performed — conveys the fear and intimidation of the moment in no uncertain terms.

But in reviewing the opening act of “Cherry,” it would be impossible to not applaud the intensity of an earlier hook-up between Winterlynn and her girlfriend Devon (Celeste Star), who gets her ready for her club tryout with a wildly passionate fuck.

The total package is dripping with sexual tension, making it without a doubt one of the best all-girl movies so far this year.

Retail mix: Outstanding girl/girl, story-driven fare.