Aiden Ashley, looking possibly more ravishing than she ever has, gets a typhoon of a star vehicle with this psychodrama from (and co-starring) Joanna Angel, which calls to mind in its rich look (courtesy of cinematographer Mike Quasar) and darkly evocative ambience some of the classic works of legendary adult director Paul “P.T.” Thomas during his early-’90s heyday.

The movie also offers some of the first boy/girl sex of Ashley’s career outside of the limited amount she shot under contract with Axel Braun, making this an absolutely essential addition to the library of any of her fans. Specifically, she has a threesome with Angel and the quasi-love interest of the story, played by Small Hands, and then later an intense one-on-one with Hands.

Somewhat disjointed—by intention—the story centers on Ashley’s (literally) restless character, who meets Angel while wandering the street one sleep-devoid night and follows her into a sort of underground brothel. Angel seems to run the place, and Hands is the bartender (allowing for some prominent product placement for their jointly-owned Doom’s Whiskey). He’s only a background character at first, but the next morning, we learn that he went home with Ashley and Angel, leading to the aforementioned threesome and subsequent bloom of romance with Ashley. Soon, though, it becomes evident that Ashley has something of an unhinged side—and things begin to spiral to a wallop of a twist ending that we won’t spoil.

We will say, however, that there are several virtuoso bits of foreshadowing along the way … not to mention two other smoldering sex scenes: an additional g/g/b with Lola Fae, Carmen Caliente and Steve Holmes; and an office romp between Katrina Jade and Tommy Pistol.

Extra plaudits are also due Small Hands for his ethereal synth score, reminiscent of the trippy electronic soundtracks of prime John Carpenter.

Insomniac is not only one of the standout features of the year, but of Joanna Angel’s directorial career, as well, definitively proving she’s every bit the commanding force with a serious project that she always has been with her funny ones.