Not only is Ethni•City far and away one of the most ambitious all-black features to ever come out of Pornville, it’s also handily one of the most accomplished and affecting movies period of Brad Armstrong’s highly decorated career.

A sophisticated, intricate ensemble piece in the vein of Crash or Amores Perros, this gritty drama weaves together a richly compelling tapestry of stories about people from varying societal strata whose lives intersect in a domino-like chain of calamitous events.

The cast represents a who’s-who of the top black talent working in the industry today, and while every performance is grade-A caliber, a few definitely make exceptional impressions. Two of those are breakout turns from 2017 AVN Best New Starlet nominee Kira Noir and Best Male Newcomer Ricky Johnson as a brother and sister who’ve chosen divergent paths to overcome the impoverishment of their upbringing—she becoming a doctor and he turning to a life of crime.

Prince Yahshua likewise registers a milestone career entry of his own as a philandering pro football player who veers down an ill-fated path after wife Misty Stone turns the tables on him by partaking in a vengeful bang with his assistant, Eddie Jaye.

On the plus side for Yahshua, he gets to indulge in the double delight of gorgeous duo Chanell Heart and Yasmine de Leon in the movie’s first and best scene, making his wandering ways seem almost understandable.

Another sexual high note comes toward the end, with a romp between Noir and Stallion in a private room of the hospital where they work together.

In a rarity for a regular feature (as opposed to a parody), the double-disc DVD for Ethni•City includes a non-sex version on disc two—a testament to what a gripping piece of storytelling it truly is. For added value, there are also an extensive look at the auditions, an outtake reel, a triple helping of bonus sex scenes and more included.

A moving, genuinely adult motion picture, Ethni•City comes both as a bold reminder of Brad Armstrong’s mastery of the craft and as an early contender for many nods when awards season 2018 rolls around. One every adult screenwriter and/or director should watch and study in earnest.