‘Bloom Up’ (2022) Review – Swinging Documentary Suffers From A Sense Of Detachment

Directed By: Mauro Russo Rouge

Starring: Elisabetta Barbero, Hermes Osnato

Plot Summary: Pet shop owners by day and swingers by night, Italian couple Hermes and Betta are, in most ways, regular people. In this honest, sex-positive look at the swinger lifestyle, director and cinematographer Mauro Russo Rouge is invited into their lives with no moment off-limits, crafting a portrait of a relationship that gives equal weight to the mundane yet strangely fascinating logistics of organizing sex parties as it does to the act itself. Shot in a rich visual style that is deeply sensual without ever feeling vulgar or exploitative, the film is “more emotionally than sexually voyeuristic” (Screen Daily), an intimate exploration of the deep love and complex challenges one polyamorous couple shares.

The idea of a couple engaging in a swinger lifestyle seems like quite the scandal, especially viewed through the prism of western society. However, Mauro Russo Rouge sets to explore a normal Italian couple who work during the day, but by night they engage in steamy sex parties. What piqued my interest outside of the provocative subject matter is that I think we need documentaries like this, which helps break down walls of sexual hang ups and start a conversation. Indeed, I think more sex-positive and thoughtful films should be produced. Bloom Up feels like it sets itself up for success, as the idea of two pet shop workers who have a seemingly double life is inherently interesting. Sadly, the film fundamentally fails.

My biggest issue with the film is, outside of the steamy scenes of sex (which are, for the most part pretty tame by today’s standards), there is very little in the way of substance. This is because Rouge never seems interested in bringing any complexity and emotion into his film. Though the swinger events are filmed in a way that feels erotic, compelling and engaging, Bloom Up is ice cold when it comes to getting to know the couple at the heart of his film. 

I also thought that maybe this would explore the concept of swinger parties in depth, and interview attendees to find out what they get out of such events. This feels like it would go a long way in humanizing people that some may deem perverse. Furthermore, there is something pretty icky about the male gaze in Rouge’s film. While sure, you expect that there is going to be a lot of nudity in a film about swinger parties. But Betta is often totally nude, even outside of the party scenes. Though, there seems to be a double standard with her partner Hermes. Hermes is nude, sure, but the filmmakers go to great length to keep his anatomy covered. It just feels kind of gross because of the total imbalance. Women are strictly viewed as objects that are submitting to men, with their counterparts never being framed in any such way. Frankly, outside of this feeling exploitive, it’s also rather boring and plays it incredible safe with the subject matter. If you are going to cover a sex party, why not push the subject matter as far as possible?

On the plus side, the film is very well shot. Rouge, who also acts as D.P, really does capture the energy and excitement of the orgy scenes with well thought-out shots that brings you right into the action. Mix in a pretty good soundtrack, and you have an intoxicating and steamy experience.

Bloom Up from a technical standpoint is well done, however, it severely lacks a beating heart. Thus, I couldn’t help but feel incredibly detached from the subjects and subject matter. Rouge may seem like he is doing something spicy and naughty, but it could have been pushed further.

Bloom Up is currently playing in select theaters and is currently available on Digital through Kino Now. The film will be available on Blu-Ray and DVD on September 13, 2022. 

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKtCwDzdmPk]