Autoerotic

Autoerotic is a 2011 American independent dark romantic comedy film about the modern human condition seen through the lens of varying types of relationships and experiences with love and intimacy. Helmed by the avant-garde filmmaking duo Joe Swanberg and Adam Wingard, the movie boasts an ensemble cast that includes Amy Seimetz, Lane Hughes, and Megan Mercier among others.

At its core, Autoerotic is a compilation of four separate yet intertwined love stories, each delving into the complexities, desires, and fetishes tied to sexuality and romance. Rather than moving in a linear path, the film evolves as a collection of disparate chunks of tales, seamlessly woven together. The film deviates from traditional romantic movies with its bold and daring exploration into the beautiful, yet often messy and uncomfortable aspects of love and lust.

Amy Seimetz's character, an independent woman in her early thirties, is exploring a relationship with her partner where pleasure isn't derived from the traditional means. This exploration leads her to cross paths with a shy, awkward man, played by Lane Hughes, who stumbles upon something he didn't know he longed for. Megan Mercier’s character, on the other hand, centers her story around exploring sexual fetishes and how they either complicate or add value to relationships.

The film doesn't shy away from the challenges individuals face while traversing their sexual journey. It holds a mirror up to society’s less discussed aspects of sex and intimacy, often poking fun at our own insecurities and idiosyncrasies. Explicit yet artful, Autoerotic doesn't lean on lurid imagery to captivate the viewers but instead goes on to offer in-depth explorations into the psyche of modern-day individuals. Throughout the runtime, there’s an intriguing, often humorous, perspective maintained that guides the narrative.

Aside from the strong performances, the film is noted for its signature mumblecore aesthetics. Directors Swanberg and Wingard deftly weave in and out of various conversations, intimately capturing the authenticity of everyday human dialogue thus accentuating the film’s raw appeal. The use of handheld cameras and natural lighting lends the film an added layer of realism that pulls the viewers deeper into the characters' world.

Autoerotic's storytelling stands out with its relatable, closely observed, and intimately detailed depictions of modern relationships. The film doesn't aim to moralize or sermonize; instead, it offers a thoughtful, albeit showing, exploration of human sexuality, grounded in relatable, everyday experiences. It empathetically captures the vulnerabilities and challenges many face when trying to reconcile their kinks or quirks with societal norms.

Depending on your perspective, you might find the film comical, poignant, moving, or maybe even a little disturbing - but what you can't deny is its audacity. The filmmaking duo pushes the envelope, breaking boundaries and taboos. It's a characteristic feature of Swanberg and Wingard; their ability to take viewers out of their comfort zones, initiating a dialogue about an aspect of life people are still hesitant to talk about openly.

Autoerotic truly explores the full and often complicated spectrum of human desire and connection. It dares its viewers to reflect on their own personal experiences, pushing boundaries and questioning the unspoken "norms" of society. The film is not just about the characters' intimate moments but about how they navigate their desires, fears, and insecurities in the labyrinth of their relationships.

In conclusion, if you're looking to watch something far removed from conventional romantic storytelling that offers a candid and thoughtfully presented exploration of modern love and intimacy, then Autoerotic might just be the film for you. Prepare yourself to plunge into a journey of self-discovery that treads the lesser-known paths of love, sex, and intimacy in a humorous and often profound way. The experience might make you smile, make you uncomfortable, or even make you reflect – but it will without doubt leave you thinking.