The sex industry's sexiest pioneeress, Candida Royalle, has added a winning new series to her line of Femme tapes; that is, if the first installment is any indication of the insightful efforts to follow. Directed by R.C. Horsch, this is a sensitive delve into the private world of real-life lovers Sydney and Ray (the humble director). Told documentary style in their own words, this lies somewhere between Anthony Spinelli's Reel People and the stark candor of amateur vids, yet is an entity unto itself. With polish, fine camerawork and heart, this unique portrait tells more than many lovers allow themselves to reveal even to each other.

Although sensual activity is virtually constant, as the title duo supplies revealing voice-overs atop the action, there are no traditional beginnings, middles or ends to the encounters. Don't expect five standard plumbing scenes or an abundance of penetration footage. Don't expect wet shots (although there is a gorgeously drippy facial). Do expect a beautiful tapestry of erotic interludes, writhing orgasms, riveting facial close-ups, lustful kissing, painstaking foreplay and thought-provoking commentary.

Sydney is a lovely nymph with long auburn hair, a fawnish body with graceful breasts and a memorable ass, while Ray is just an average-looking guy. Together, they make a fascinating character study, a brave voyage into the anatomy of a romance. It's all lovingly lit and shot in such a way that the action amazingly never gets boring. Coupled with their words, it is often quite stirring. Fantasies abound, like rape, hooking, light bondage (in which Sydney's admittedly bitchy tendencies come to light), shaving and triads (they're joined briefly by Tasha Voux, who still looks wonderful). There's a delicious side-by-side masturbation in which Syd explodes around a massive dildo and Ray, in his excitement, christens her. The focus here is on the intense, sweat-drenched faces, which I found infinitely more arousing than the old in-and-out.

A must-stock for retailers who pride themselves upon offering adult fare which is different and thought-provoking. A must-have for thinking pornophiles. Kudos to Royalle, Femme, Horsch and all those involved in this groundbreaking x-ray of the erotic psyche.