Indie Film Review “The OG Bootcamp” It’s what’s amidst, and amiss with, four couples who need a little re-awakening and refresher course about the “S” word
WATCH THE TRAILER BELOW:
First, the Recap:
Let’s talk about….”it”. You know. “IT”. Come on, isn’t it obvious what is being referenced?? IT!!! Oh, ok, FINE. Let’s discuss….SEX! Given how much our society is, just being transparent, constantly bombarded with things of this nature, it likewise seems evident we’re still somewhat reluctant to have any conversations about it. Not saying this is a universal fact by ANY means, but let’s face it, anything having to do with “IT” always elicits awkwardness.
Therefore, when we enter the world of aspiring sexologist Zoe (Giovonnie Samuels) and her goal to educate the world, or in this case, four couples about the nature of sexual satisfaction and the ongoing issues being experienced between each of them, it’s anyone’s guess how it will all turn out. Well, it definitely provokes reactions, and not all of them initially positive! But, with perseverance and some open-mindedness, Zoe and her crew just might be able to teach these upstarts a thing or two about REAL pleasure.
Next, my Mind:
It’s bold, it’s bawdy, it’s blunt, it’s unflinching, it’s unapologetic, it’s factually-based sex education for the modern age done in uncompromising mockumentary fashion, assured to either be wholeheartedly uncomfortable or undeniably entertaining (most likely a combination of both!) if you’re being one hundred percent honest with yourself! That is what came to mind first when diving into this indie film project from writer/director/producer Zanah Thirus, producers Ryan Grundtisch and Giovonnie Samuels, co-producers Summer Lee Cortes and Stephanie Crair, plus executive producer Linda Karn. The subject matter at hand is NOTHING new to the filmmaking world by ANY stretch of the imagination, and this critic freely admits that under normal circumstances, it’s not content heavy with this that would remotely attract my attention, much less gain my favor.
However, while there is no circumnavigating the sheer fact that certain instances content-wise which arise in this film were more than a little beyond my usual comfort zones to appreciate or accept personally, I found myself laughing more and more as the film progresses, and THAT truly IS the intention the effort strives to promote, simply choosing to do so through quite CANDID means. The film finds its narrative following a young, aspiring sexologist who (very enthusiastically, mind you!) creates a group therapy session directed at four couples whose female participants are….less than satisfied….with their partners, wishing to provide answers for them all to ideally re-discover the joy of intimacy and conquer one core facet of things….the OG. From here, to say the least, it’s an absolute riot to witness what shenanigans unfold and to what precise lengths things are taken to to allow for the results being sought after to be attained.
Mind you, folks, this IS raw, graphic stuff, primarily verbally, but not remotely without several visually present moments and imagery that COULD be awkward for some. But here’s the thing…it’s all legitimate knowledge being conveyed WHILE making it hysterical to witness and RELEVANT to absorb! Because regardless of what you might think about a film’s entire cornerstone theme being about sexuality, its joys, trials, and frustrations, there are actual LIFE lessons being taught! It covers a myriad of focal points in regard to the relations between lovers, spouses, or partners, encompasses viewpoints from religious, arrogant, clueless, and “veteran” perspectives, varying age ranges, walks of life, and ethnicities and treats them ALL with equal hilarity and due respect at the same time.
Thematic ventures into the sheer ignorance we as people can allow to creep in about sex in general, the resistance to admitting our faults, the ebbs and flows of what people actually desire more or less of, the judgements we render instead of understanding, how men tend to NOT listen but think they already “know it all”, how women can be just as stubborn in different ways instead of communicating more effectively as to what they do or do not want, being free of fears, reproductive mindset vs. pleasure focus when it comes to sex, the multitude of misconceptions that arise, setting expectations too high, the beauty of discovering each other in this manner, guilt for thinking we don’t measure up, working together to form a healthier physical relationship, being aware of manipulative behavior vs. just asking for feedback, the danger of societal constructs, and the need for equality in all of it gets both hilariously and stirringly covered.
Even the film’s finale is an adventure in realistic, not fully perfect results, yet it so astutely allows the film’s entire premise and intent to shine forth strongly and with unequivocal verity. This is indisputably a…different…style of film to take in. But it IS thanks to its aforementioned “mockumentary” format that really lets things get playfully loose in an ultimately palatable, conclusively informative, and soundly relatable way! From the very start, Samuels begins stealing and chewing up scenes with an unavoidably delightful, giggly, bubbly, infectiously sassy, enjoyable demeanor that you will NOT be able to resist through her role as Zoe, a burgeoning sexologist with one goal on her mind….to help others triumph over the intimidating and mysterious OG! HOW is she to do this, you ask??
Arranging an “OG Bootcamp” for several couples made up of friends and their significant others (including her own grandmother!! LOL), Zoe sends them on an enlightening journey that will shake up, shock, jar, and jolt everyone out of their sexually frustrated conundrums while ideally making them ALL wake up and realize the importance of all that’s presented. Zoe’s reactions to elements being discussed, demonstrated, and/or achieved (as well as to her own squirminess at learning FAR more than she needed to know about a relative’s sex life!), it’s a brilliant comedic performance that just sings with jocularity and exudes chaotic but controlled energy throughout. Timing and delivery are everything when it comes to comedy, and Samuels clearly illustrates a mastery of it as well as some genuine dramatic flair as well.
Cory Goodrich and Christopher Meister are Lexi and Luke, the first couple to arrive to the proceedings, heralding from a more generally conservative religious standpoint (more so him as a pastor), and who quickly become a foundational study in what they both REALLY think about sex and its application in their lives, effectively played by both actors with humor and humbleness as they both learn things about themselves and each other. Christal Luster and Jeremiah Mack are Jazmine and Ziare, a couple with her all about being in control and woman empowerment and him having had NO clue what he was getting into on this day, and who may approach sex in a more mechanical way rather than with the kind of passion she longs for. The actors play so well off of each other in this dichotomy, each depicting excellent poise in manner that deftly fits the characters and their points of view they represent then come together on.
Molly Hernández and Josue Ledesma are Lily and Rocco, a model and “talent agent” respectively, the former who is BEYOND agitated at not actually being “seen” or appreciated while the latter thinks he’s God’s gift to her, and all women most likely, even as HE is really riding HER coattails, not the other way around. This was an interesting pairing to watch enact this kind of volatility, as the separation of the comical vs. the actual seriousness between the characters almost has to be more blatant, a mix of one being potentially freed from a discontented mindset while another must come to face his own conceit and accept he DOES need to be better for her. Her vulnerability is credible, and his pompous behavior is zany and over-the-top, which only makes where he ends up that much more impactful.
Finally, Debrah K. Neal and Darren Jones are Donna and Charles (Zoe’s grandparents!!), a total study in real, abiding love while she is utter exuberance and he is uproarious indifference at first until they both have opportunities to bring out the long-standing commitment and adoration they’ve had for so long and what it might take JUST to nudge that fire back into existence while teaching the younger folks a little something along the way. Neal is a STITCH, as is Jones, each of them OWNING the scenes they’re in with understated then undisguised moments of joviality and transparency. Supporting turns arrive first from Kimberly Michelle Vaughn as Sadie, one of the experts Zoe has brought in to initiate the group into Adult Sex Ed! Vaughn is just genius at remaining so SERIOUS about it, coming across with a superb teacher-like vibe that sells you on her character with NO problem at all, while being so charming, down-to-earth, and just plain FUN!
Sylvia Wynn becomes yet ANOTHER scene stealer here through her role as Trill, a second expert brought to bear whose drill-instructor style in itself is a HOOT to watch, eliciting a LOT of laughs as she berates and challenges the MEN to be WAY more exposed in a certain way than they would EVER feel normal or confortable doing! It’s simply awesome, and Wynn likewise OWNS her scenes with jovial glee. A.T. Branch arrives as Roger, the final expert who addresses the men and their need for healthier overall relationships, losing ego, and having the willingness to receive feedback from their partners. He’s the most straightforward in attitude, at least for this critic, and Branch is fully credible here throughout, a performance that also sells you on his character being the kind of competent, listening guide you need in this kind of situation.
Finally there is Stephen Brunton, who appears in voice-only form as a narrator to events. So, in total, “The OG Bootcamp” is an exercise in sex, the pitfalls we get into with it, the mistakes we make in not sharing or communicating about it with our better halves, and re-discovering the pleasure it offers, all wrapped in an incontrovertibly rollicking yet illuminating shell that, frankly, we could all actually learn something from. Therefore, TALK IT OUT, WORK IT OUT, and perhaps most imperatively, ENJOY IT while you do. Right?
STAR RATING (out of 5):
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
