Lake Consequence

Lake Consequence is a 1993 film directed by Rafael Eisenman, and starring Billy Zane, Joan Severance, and May Karasun. It tells the story of a woman named Irene James who is trapped in a loveless marriage with a controlling and emotionally abusive man named Carl. Irene longs for freedom and escape from her mundane life, and one day, while out on a drive, she meets a mysterious stranger named Alex.

Alex is a free-spirited and sexually confident man who immediately captivates Irene's attention. The two begin a steamy affair, which leads Irene down a path of self-discovery and liberation. However, their relationship comes with its own set of problems, as Alex is also involved with a domineering woman named Vera, who is not thrilled about sharing him with Irene.

As Irene becomes more entangled in Alex's world, she begins to realize that escaping from one abusive relationship might have just led her into another. She must decide if she is willing to take the risk to pursue true freedom and happiness, or if she is doomed to be trapped by the people in her life.

The film is a slow-burning romance that explores complex themes of control, freedom, and sexuality. It is full of intense and erotic scenes that are handled with a deft touch, never straying into gratuitous or exploitative territory. The performances from Zane and Severance are both nuanced and powerful, carrying the weight of the film's emotional arc on their shoulders.

One of the most interesting aspects of Lake Consequence is the way it explores the power dynamics in relationships. Irene's marriage with Carl is presented as oppressive and controlling, while her affair with Alex is portrayed as liberating and empowering. However, as the film progresses, it becomes clear that Alex is just as manipulative and controlling as Carl in his own way.

The film also deals with the consequences of living outside of societal norms when it comes to sexuality. Irene's relationship with Alex is complicated by the fact that they are both married, and by the fact that society at large does not approve of their unconventional setup. This leads to a sense of isolation and loneliness for both characters, which is highlighted in haunting scenes where they are shown as isolated figures against the vast expanse of nature.

Overall, Lake Consequence is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant film about the push and pull between desire and control. It explores complex themes with sensitivity and nuance, and features stand-out performances from its talented cast. It is a film that asks us to question our assumptions about sex, relationships, and freedom, and it does so in a way that is both visually stunning and emotionally impactful.