Two distinct adult-themed film projects, both originating from London and featuring sex industry professionals, are making headlines. One is an adult dark comedy thriller titled Sapphire, produced by London-based dominatrix Cate McQueen, set for an exclusive screening in London on November 19. The other is a dark comedy film with the working title The Ketamine Detective, starring Nadia Parkes as a dominatrix, with filming scheduled to begin in London later this month.

"Sapphire" Offers Glimpse into Sex Work and BDSM

Sapphire is described as "a sexy, funny and dark comic porn thriller that provides an unfiltered glimpse into the world of sex work, desire and BDSM." The movie is produced by Cate McQueen, a London-based dominatrix and first-time director. An exclusive screening is scheduled for November 19 in London.

The narrative of Sapphire follows a young sex worker who is struggling to afford her mother’s medication. She encounters a wealthy stranger who appears to offer a solution to her financial difficulties, leading her to envision a different future. However, a newspaper article changes her perspective on the dynamic. The film explores the blurring lines between opportunity, obsession, and control, forcing the protagonist to confront the implications of trusting someone else.

McQueen stated that the movie draws inspiration from her real-life experiences and encounters. Her renewed creative drive for the project followed a visit to the PornFilmFestival Berlin (PFFB), where she was impressed by the ambition and artistry of the work being produced. She mentioned that the festival reminded her why she initially became involved in making porn.

McQueen described Sapphire as auto-fiction, a blend of true events and fantasy. She noted that she sees herself in the role and that the role incorporates aspects of her own identity. During the writing process, she focused on the shifting nature of control, emphasizing the tension that drives the film. She also ensured that every detail in the sex scenes contributes to the story's progression, serving both a provocative and contextual purpose.

The movie description poses a question: "Blending provocative storytelling with dark humor and an uncompromising look at London’s sex industry, Sapphire challenges the fantasy of the knight in shining armor. Is this stranger the answer to her prayers or the beginning of something far more dangerous?"

McQueen has submitted Sapphire to various adult film and fetish festivals across Europe, with the aim of reaching audiences within independent cinema, adult filmmaking, and fetish culture.

"The Ketamine Detective" Stars Nadia Parkes

Another London-based project, a dark comedy film with the working title The Ketamine Detective, is also in production. Nadia Parkes, known for her roles in Kidnapped: The Chloe Ayling Story and Starstruck, is set to star in this film about a dominatrix. Filming is scheduled to commence in London later this month.

The film is written and directed by Sophie Cohen and Michael Lindsay. Production is handled by London-based 16oz Films in collaboration with House of Vixens, a production company focused on exploring erotic storytelling.

Nadia Parkes will portray Jess, a stripper and dominatrix whose life unravels after a client dies, leaving her with a mysterious metal puzzle box. The synopsis details Jess's challenging week, which includes an attack, the arrival of her "puritanical sister" from America, and the growing suspicion of murder. The story follows Jess through a "raucous, weed-hazed conspiracy chase" through London's "half-hidden arteries," involving "anal billionaires, sex-work chat groups, allotments and mushroom stalls."

Sophie Cohen, one of the co-writers and co-directors, is a filmmaker, writer, podcaster, stripper, and dominatrix with over two decades of active experience in the sex industry. She is also the creator of Strippers in the Attic, a podcast featuring candid conversations with strippers, sex workers, and others connected to the industry, which has garnered over 250,000 downloads.

Parkes commented on the role, stating that characters like Jess are uncommon. She noted that Jess is not presented as someone to be saved, punished, or easily understood. Instead, Jess is depicted as ridiculous, clever, difficult, loving, and central to a story that is "genuinely fun, strange and alive." Parkes also expressed enthusiasm for being part of a project that aims to portray sex work with honesty, humor, and care.

Key Facts

  • Sapphire Screening: An exclusive screening of the adult dark comedy thriller Sapphire is scheduled for November 19 in London.
  • Sapphire Producer: Cate McQueen, a London-based dominatrix, produced and directed Sapphire.
  • The Ketamine Detective Star: Nadia Parkes is cast as Jess, a stripper and dominatrix, in the dark comedy film The Ketamine Detective.
  • The Ketamine Detective Directors: Sophie Cohen and Michael Lindsay are the co-writers and co-directors of The Ketamine Detective.
  • Sophie Cohen's Background: Sophie Cohen is a filmmaker, writer, podcaster, stripper, and dominatrix with over two decades of experience in the sex industry.
  • Filming Location: Both projects are based in London, with The Ketamine Detective scheduled to begin filming there later this month.