Lucky Bastard

Lucky Bastard is a 2014 crime, drama, and thriller film directed by Robert Nathan and stars Don McManus, Jay Paulson, and Betsy Rue. This unique and suspenseful movie is said to fall within the ranks of found footage films, giving a sense of realism that sets it apart from traditional cinematic experiences.

Set within the adult film industry, the plotline revolves around Lucky Bastard, an adult website that represents an unusual yet tantalizing concoction of reality TV and pornography. The film features the engaging story of a seemingly ordinary person who gets selected to fulfill their fantasies on camera through a contest by the website. It's among the web's leading adult entertainment platforms that allow men to have sex on camera with famous porn stars, under controlled circumstances. However, things take a dreadful turn, and the show morphs into a perilous nightmare when the latest winner's dark mental aberration takes center stage.

Don McManus brilliantly plays Mike, a genial, yet jaded veteran of the porn industry, who has created his fortune by capitalizing on the dreams of men and women to watch such sorts of adult content. Mike exemplifies the industry's paradoxes – a casual attitude to sex that doesn't entirely exclude moral compromise.

Betsy Rue plays Ashley Saint, a seasoned star in the adult film industry who has established career longevity in a difficult industry where very few manage to have staying power. Her character reveals the grim realities that many women in the industry face. Rue portrays Ashley with depth and, at times, sadness, providing an honest depiction of a woman resigned to her choices.

Jay Paulson plays Dave G. who is handpicked by Mike. Dave appears to be a nice-enough guy with an awkward demeanor who turns the website's concept into a horrific scenario. He is shy, reserved, almost endearing in his delight at winning the contest, yet hiding a perturbing side of his persona which is slowly revealed. Mastering the role of an introvert with dark secrets, Paulson keeps the audience hooked and nervously anticipating his actions.

The movie is set within the confines of a lavish, secluded mansion, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This isolation adds an eerie atmosphere to the mounting distress that unfolds. The pace of the narrative is steady and strong, maintaining a sense of dread throughout the film. Each scene presents little clues to the gathering storm, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.

"Lucky Bastard" also offers an interesting commentary on the porn industry, the people involved, and the societal attitudes towards it. It subtly addresses the need for boundaries even within spaces known for their explicit lack of boundary. It's not just about the thrill of the contest, or the horror of what unfolds; but it also delves into the dark gray areas dipped in raw human desire, and the wide gap between fantasy and the harshness of reality.

Even with its dark subject matter, the movie isn't devoid of humor. There is a light satirical touch to the dialogue and in particular instances to navigate the dark waters of the narrative. This balance keeps the film from being just a cliche or falling into the trap of being overly grim.

The director makes a compelling use of the found-footage format, granting a candid authenticity to the story, a raw look at the events as they unfold, creating a sense of unease that ripples through the film. Accompanied by stellar performances and an engaging script, "Lucky Bastard" manages to leave an unforgettable impression in the viewer's mind.

Lucky Bastard is a chilling, reality-shaking, and at times heart-rending journey through a narrative that is bound to stay with you long after the closing credits. It's a film designed to shock, compel, entertain, and provoke thoughtful discussion among its viewers. The intense presentation and an engaging narrative make "Lucky Bastard" stand out from several films in its genre.