Switch: Leaving Your Mark

Lauren Phillips explores the world of BDSM in "Switch: Leaving Your Mark" — not just from the dominant/submissive perspective, but also, from every aspect of the lifestyle. Phillips captures the joy that can come from living in both worlds.

Adult Time could not have picked a better director to explore the world of BDSM than Lauren. Her vision is clear from the moment her interview detailing her inspiration for the project fades to black. Victoria Voxxx, one of the premier performers working today, embodies, in my opinion, the tone of the project immediately. From the camera's focus on her lips as she speaks, to the low, hungry growl of her voice as she narrates her experience with the book she finds, to the intensity of her masturbatory moments, Victoria pulls the viewer into the world Lauren has created with ease. The conversation between Victoria and her therapist Casey Calvert is informative and at the same time demystifying, shedding light on the shadowy preconceptions surrounding BDSM while simultaneously building the world of the film. Honestly, it's excellent filmmaking.

By the time Casey moves to model some of the things she and Victoria talked about during their session, the audience will find themselves bursting with anticipation (much like Victoria). Then, we get a real-life lesson in all the different elements BDSM has to offer. It's not just whips and chains; it's sting and thud and pressure and denial all wrapped into a genuine lesson in sexual exploration. It's real and it's awesome, and I've honestly never seen anything like it on camera before.

From there, we are introduced to Maya Woulfe, who serves as Victoria's lesson in submission. Again, Casey is our teacher, and she shows us the wide spectrum of possibilities in the submission category of BDSM. Maya is willing and able, and Victoria enjoys her lesson in dominating, which includes being gentle with one's sub as well as switching places with them. The sharing of power is a huge part of the pleasure. Again, the sex shatters the myths and shows us instead how passionate and tender the lifestyle can be.

A lesson in group sex is also taught, this time featuring Lauren Phillips herself alongside Hazel Grace, Emma Rose and Leana Lovings. I was honestly stunned watching just how intensely Lauren responded to something as simple as having someone rake their fingernails gently across her body.

The experience ends with Maya Woulfe getting a chance to live out her own BDSM fantasy with Leana Lovings. Their encounter is a bit more what one might expect, with a dungeon setting, chains and leather. Still, their sex is anything but stereotypical, and the diverse way they get each other off follows the theme of the film, which is the varying degrees of pleasure BDSM can offer.

This is a spectacular project. It's part documentary, part feature, and all sexy. Those who are curious about BDSM would do well do start here, and those who are well-versed in the lifestyle would do equally well to give Lauren's passion project a whirl. I can honestly say I can't remember the last time I saw such intense sex portrayed onscreen, and I've never had my eyes so opened by a porn film. Bravo to Lauren Phillips and kudos to Adult Time for helping her bring this stunning vision to life.