Love, Sex and Eating the Bones

Love, Sex and Eating the Bones is a Canadian romantic comedy that was released in 2003. Directed by Sudz Sutherland, it stars Hill Harper, Marlyne Barrett, and Mark Taylor. This entertaining and sexy comedy explores the complexities of human relationships, personal growth, and the collision of art, love, and sexuality.

The story unfolds in Toronto, introducing us to Michael Joseph (played by the talented Hill Harper), a struggling photographer. Despite his undeniable talent, Joseph finds it challenging to establish a successful career and express his artistic vision via photography, which he perceives to be not just a profession but a way of life. Yet, his photography business is secondary to him; his main source of income is his security guard job. He hopes to become a full-time photographer only when he feels that his works would stand the scrutiny of time and contribute significantly to the world of art.

Michael's life takes a turn when he crosses paths with the vibrant Jasmine LeJeune (Marlyne Barrett). Jasmine is a successful corporate professional who, underneath her confidant exterior, struggles with hidden insecurities. Jasmine's contrasting and complex personality ensnares Michael's fascination, making him believe that she could be his muse, the inspiration he needs for his photography.

A bond forms between them, fueled by an undeniable attraction and mutual admiration. Their relationship swirls into a maze of comedy, romance, and sensuality. But as sparks fly, so do secrets from their past, which they must confront before their relationship can move forward.

To complicate matters, Michael has a crippling fear of intimacy that leads him to an addiction to pornography. This addiction is an escape mechanism for him, a way to deal with his deep-rooted fear of real emotional and sexual connections. On the other hand, Jasmine's insecurities stem from societal pressure and her constant quest for perfection, both in her professional and personal life.

As the relationship between Michael and Jasmine deepens, the film delves into topics around self-worth, personal aspirations, overcoming personal fears, and addressing self-imposed limitations. It explores how they both grapple with these issues, trying to build a connection more potent than their respective fears and insecurities.

While the movie highlights the emotional journey of its main characters, it also sheds light on the unique culture of Toronto. Love, Sex and Eating the Bones takes viewers through diverse neighbourhoods, reflecting the city's multicultural and vibrant compression of life and love, resonating a soft undertone of cultural diversity throughout the movie.

Director Sudz Sutherland treats a serious subject with sensitivity and a pinch of humor, making the narrative flow easily without being tough to digest. The smooth storytelling, combined with impressive cinematographic framing, creates a visually artistic tapestry that is both pleasing and thought-provoking.

Each actor in the movie delivers a compelling performance, but it's Harper and Barrett that truly shine. The chemistry between Hill Harper (Michael Joseph) and Marlyne Barrett (Jasmine LeJeune) is electric, forming the heartbeat of the film. Their performances help viewers connect with the characters and bring the narrative's emotional essence to the forefront.

Hill Harper, with his nuanced portrayal of Michael, seamlessly transitions between comedy and drama, taking viewers through his character's emotional journey. Marlyne Barrett, on the other hand, embodies Jasmine's personality perfectly, providing a layered performance that oscillates between strong and vulnerable.

Love, Sex and Eating the Bones is not just a romantic comedy; it's a deep exploration of human relationships, societal expectations, and how personal fears can impact one's ability to connect on a deeper level. This movie is an exceptional showcase of Canadian cinema that beautifully fuses expression, art, fear, love, and comedy into a delightful cinematic experience.