Murder, intrigue, suspense … and sex. What more could you ask for?

Vivid’s Wetwork, from director Eli Cross, brilliantly combines all these elements in the tale of international spy Anthony (played by Steven St. Croix) who is in the midst of a midlife crisis, trying to decide whether to keep going in his dangerous occupation or retire. But just when he thinks he’s made his decision, he encounters Katherine (portrayed by Penny Pax), the artist who kills her patrons after sex. The two enter into a cat-and-mouse game that is just as captivating as the steamy sex scenes and proves that not everything is as it seems.

Everything about Wetwork looks different than your traditional, run-of-the-mill porn: from the San Francisco locations to the rich cinematography, this is some of Eli Cross’ best work to date. The script, penned by Mark Logan, combined with the wonderfully composed shots—both sex and non-sex—rivals anything from Hollywood these days.

But the sex … oh the sex. Steven St. Croix has proven in recent years he is among the best actors this industry has to offer, but don’t think that his sexual prowess isn’t worth mentioning too. He brings to his sex scenes the right amount of force, dirty talk and sex appeal. His first scene with Eva Karera boasts plenty of oral, hard missionary pounding and anal, and is erotic, tense and the perfect amount of filthy.

But co-star Penny Pax is no slouch in the acting and performing realms, either. Paired with Richie Calhoun for her first scene in the movie (which has St. Croix spying from afar), she brings heat and sensuality that echoes throughout the rest of her performance.

Wetwork is one of the most perfect blends of plot and performance we have seen in some time, and proves that adult movies can have the sophistication and standards of any mainstream movie out there today.