Bridgett M. Davis' film "Naked Acts," rediscovered by Maya S. Cade in recent years, is an indie film circuit masterpiece that takes viewers on a journey through the world of independent filmmaking and the life of an actress spanning generations. It weaves a captivating, sometimes unsettling tale that grip its audience, compelling them to bear witness to its story.
Featuring narration by the protagonist, Cicely, portrayed by Jake-Ann Jones, the film opens with Cicely penning a letter to her mother - a retired erotica actress. Tragically, Cicely experiences frequent abuse from her mother’s lover while being coerced to impersonate her mother's titular "naked acts." This horrifying introduction sets the scene for a movie that matures into a brave and compelling narrative.
Now an adult, Cicely aspires to be an actress, but she aims to distinguish herself from her mother's film route. Presented with a role in an 'art film' from an ex-boyfriend, which required nudity, Cicely bargains to stay dressed during the film. This debut role follows Cicely's significant weight loss journey, a decade-long commitment that ultimately pays off. Despite attaining Hollywood-typical thinness, Cicely remains steadfast in her determination to control her image on screen, preserving her body's sanctity in an act of new-found bravado. This portrayal of self-reservation among black women in the entertainment industry remains commendable and invigorating - a testament to Davis' character design.
While promoted as a humorous and unique film, "Naked Acts" only presents its comedic chops 35 minutes in. The annoyance of the producer with his inexperienced cast adds to the humor, especially during a cacophonously scored silent acting scene. The 4k restoration augments the allure of the entirely black cast and visually complements the movie's vibrant scene composition.
Safety is a major theme throughout the story, with Cicely's yearning for the safe space once provided by her father contrasted against the abuse she experiences. She constructs her own refuge, allowing the audience to follow her transformative journey. The film doesn't objectify her, but focuses on her growth and empowerment.
The film engages viewers with a calm dialogue. Everyday exchanges occur between Cicely and her ex-boyfriend, brilliantly acted out by Ron Cephas Jones. The love between them comes to life through these flirtatious scenes, imbuing the movie with a sense of timelessness. Such moments give Cicely the clarity she appears to lack at the film's beginning, leading the audience to a poignant conclusion.
"Naked Acts" is profoundly relatable. It tackles themes of sorrow, suppression, and vulnerability, while themes of hope, pardon, and self-acknowledgment will undoubtedly provoke strong emotional reactions in viewers. The performance Jake-Ann Jones gives captures the audience's attention as she ranges from timid to daring.
The film reaffirms the brilliance independent cinema can offer, showing raw and authentic details under Bridgett M. Davis' direction and script. The film continues to feel fresh and invigorating, victorious in its thoughtful storyline and meticulously considered casting.
