Viva

A wonderful little gem from Cult Epics has fallen into my lap! Set for release February 24th is Viva, a film about sexual awakening in the 1970's. Before I begin my lovefest, I have one very important detail to get out of the way. This movie was made in 2007.

At the heart of the story is Barbi, an innocent, naive housewife. We are introduced to her while she is bathing. The next 120 minutes chronicle the birth of her alter ego, Viva, and her rise to sex goddess status. All that isn't nearly as important as the look and the tone of the film. While it is soaked with nudity, drugs and lecherous sex, it is also steeped in innocence. It's a strange blend. Going on plot alone, this could very easily sound like a one dimensional soft core porno. But I assure you it isn't. It glides along seamlessly, never crossing the invisible line between lighthearted romp and sleazy skin flick.

This is film is spot on in it's portrayal of the early 1970's. The labor put into making this production authentic was so obviously painstaking. From the set design and costuming to the mindset of the characters, this film is truly a journey. Anna Biller not only writes and directs this throwback, she stars as Barbi/Viva. Most of the credit must be given to her. Biller obviously had a vision and took great care in crafting this tribute. The sets pieces alone are enough to ensnare even the most jaded film enthusiast.

Watch this film if you love the 70's. Watch it if you love sex comedies. Watch it if you long for the days when costume changes were abundant and everyone always had a drink it their hand.