Use Me

Use Me is a highly intriguing film that blurs the lines between reality and fiction, released in 2019. This unconventional blend of thriller, documentary, and drama is the brainchild of real-life Australian filmmaker Julian Shaw, who writes, directs, and stars in the film. He portrays a version of himself as an investigative documentarian. Co-star Ceara Lynch, a notorious online humiliatrix, plays herself in this audacious narrative that takes a deep dive into the world of online fetish.

The narrative takes off as Shaw takes an intense interest in Lynch's controversial, underground yet bizarrely legitimate line of work and lifestyle as a professional humiliatrx. She makes her living by manipulating and degrading her willing clients online who pay for the unique pleasure of being belittled and dominated, the odd blend of cyber domination and monetised humiliation. Embarking on a quest to document her story, Shaw traverses from Sydney to Portland, plunging into a beguiling world hidden behind computer screens to film his latest project.

As the story unfolds, the line separating the documentarian's professional and personal life gets increasingly blurred. Shaw's growing obsession towards Lynch and her world leads him into a whirlpool of ethical dilemmas and emotional upheavals. He gets caught up in Lynch's complex, enticing, and alien web, which slowly but surely begins to impact his personal life, threatening his relationship and his stability. It beautifully captures this thin line between fascination, obsession, and eventual destruction. This push and pull to understand the depths of the human psyche adds an edge to the narrative, keeping the audience engaged and curious.

Julian Shaw brings an earthy authenticity to his part, complementing Ceara Lynch's mysterious allure and steely, captivating screen presence. The dynamic between the two characters captivates the audience, especially as the narrative balance of power begins to tilt, hinting that Shaw might slowly be moving from observer to participant, captivated by the very subject he set out to document.

Lynch, essaying a role that feels so close to her real-life persona, adds an additional layer of authenticity to the narrative. Her portrayal of this unique professional who unapologetically owns her power while revealing the varying layers of vulnerability beneath is a tour de force. She infuses her character with a particular charm and confidence, which muddies the line between exploitation and empowerment throughout the narrative.

Jazlyn Yoder rounds out the principle cast with her notable portrayal of Shaw's fiancé, providing the perfect contrast to Lynch's mysterious and tantalising demeanor. Yoder's character anchors the film's theme to a conventional reality, serving as a stark counterpoint to the alien and complex world of the professional humiliatrix.

The film's cinematography and creative use of the found footage aesthetic adds another layer of realism to this narrative. It effectively blends elements of traditional narrative storytelling with a documentary style of filmmaking. This creative approach enhances the movie’s exploratory narrative style.

What makes Use Me a uniquely captivating movie to watch is the seamless blend of narrative and real-world elements that make the audience question whether they're watching a film or a documentary. It provides an explorative look into an area of cybersex work that one may not have ventured into before, or even knew existed. It is a stunning blend of Jullian Shaw’s inquisitive and empathetic storytelling, and Ceara Lynch’s daring and honest portrayal of her complicated life.

While the film does raise serious questions around internet privacy, exploitation, and compelled voyeurism, it does plunge a little further into the depths of manipulation and dystopia than the average viewer might expect. But if you're intrigued by a story that seamlessly merges reality with fiction and the unexpected world of fetish and cyber domination, Use Me will be a thrilling deep dive. It's a thought-provoking exploration that is equally entertaining and intensely unsettling – a ground-breaking contribution to the genre.