Like an Olympic triathlete competing against his own personal best, director Brad Armstrong triumphs on three different levels in DNA, his AVN Award-nominated sci-fi thriller.

First, there’s the screenwriting: a story about a future world where the deceased can be cloned and reunited with their loved ones—but only for 72 hours. Enough time to say goodbye to a family member who’s died suddenly, to enjoy a friend’s company for a few precious days—or, most relevant to adult moviemaking, to once again feel a lover's warm flesh. It’s a neat high-concept idea, and Armstrong turns it into an action thriller with a satisfying emotional core.

Second, there’s the skill in executing this tale, and Armstrong leads his team of professionals with confidence. The austere sets and naturalistic videography, sound and lighting allow the performers to take center stage, and the focus is warranted. Armstrong plays the morally bankrupt Malcolm Moore, the head of Iterum, the corporation that offers the cloning service; Jessica Drake gives a subtle yet affecting performance as loyal assistant Lidia Kline, who, unlike her boss, develops some scruples along the way. Not remotely troubled by scruples is the character played by Small Hands, who has cloned deceased girlfriend Asa Akira for his own mercenary ends. All four leads bring their characters to life with skill.

Third, DNA offers a rewarding variety in the sex scenes. The basic idea of sex with clones offers many scenarios—for instance, the opening scene in which politician Ryan Driller gets more than his palm greased. In exchange for some needed support, Driller and his colleague (Eric Masterson) get to spend the evening with red-hot “carbons” Abella Danger and Scarlet Red. Other scenes feature satisfied customers and their clones, such as a slow and romantic scene featuring Chanel Preston with former lover Tommy Gunn. In total there are six sex scenes, and they all are not only arousing but also help push the narrative forward.

And that narrative is truly rewarding—and we’re not going to throw out any spoilers. It’s enough to say that for those who like a story with their sex scenes, DNA is a perfect blend of both elements.