I’ve always maintained that, as long as its legal and consensual, we should embrace our sexuality and kinks no matter how unusual it may seem to others. Kinks and fetishes are a form of human expression as much as they are about desire, and they can be important in deciding who we are and how we can operate on the outside. Sexuality shouldn’t be vilified it should be openly explored and embraced. “tOuch Kink” is a refreshing documentary that, while about sex and erotica, is also about humanity. It’s about our inner desires and how they can be a catharsis and even therapeutic.
“tOuch Kink” is a documentary about the journey into the secret world of pleasure, pain, and power, told through the interweaving of four main stories. There’s Grace, an all-American soccer mom who learns to “Awaken the Goddess” inside her as she makes her nervous first foray into the realm of being a Dominatrix. Mistress Evilyne is a British Dominatrix on a cultural mission, is outed to the tabloid press and harassed by the British establishment. Robin is a good old boy from Texas who is also a fearless kinkster, slave and property of a Dominatrix. Finally January Seraph is the mercurial muse, guide, and inspiration behind understanding the secret power that all possess, but few truly realize.
Director Todd Max Carey promotes the idea of fetishes and kinks like BDSM, bondage, dominatrixes, leather, and so much more as positive lifestyles. They’re fulfilling experiences that includes many individuals all of whom are not only educated, and well read, but also wholesome in many respects. Their ability to embrace their intense sexual desire gives them a chance to be who they want to be, and it’s becoming more and more difficult in the modern society. In a world that’s become increasingly demonizing of the mere concept of sex, the kink society has sadly been pushed more and more underground where it becomes tougher to express themselves and release their urges.
“tOuch Kink” is a very good film that allows us to look at these individuals in a sincere and often sweet temperament. At seventy five minutes it never really overstays its welcome allowing us to get to know these people and presenting impartial views in to these worlds. Director Todd Max Carey allows us to decide for ourselves if we want to learn more or opt out. It’s a fascinating journey that never really shies away from the extremes of this sexual society taking glimpses so many bizarre kinks, and I was always so intrigued by the appeal. “tOuch Kink” is definitely a great film for the individuals interested in the ideas of fetishes and kinks. It’s educational, it’s entertaining, and it’s wholly informative.
This year the Fantasia International Film Festival runs in Montreal from July 20th to August 9th.