The sequel to Grudge (reviewed August 2006) is quite a bit more interesting. It moves more surely, with less dead space and hotter sex.

Two couples fall in love, cheat, break apart, reunite. With just four actors (Samantha Ryan only does sex), it's a kind of chamber sonata about the ambiguity of sexual desire, elliptically told, ending on a kind of unresolved chord.

Director Thomas gets totally convincing, natural performances from all four, sexing as well as acting. Mercedez, as the main object of desire, is almost unreally beautiful. If her image were computer-generated, it couldn't be more perfect. She gets well fucked, twice, once anally, a scene that's also a plot turning point.

Pre-noms: Best Director: Paul Thomas. Best Actress, Video: Mercedez, Stefani Morgan. Best Actor, Video: Kurt Lockwood, Trent Tesoro.

Retailing: First-rate story-porn for grownups.