Good Kisser

Good Kisser is a lesbian feature film, written and directed by Seattle filmmaker Wendy Jo Carlton.

Girlfriends Jenna (Kari Alison Hodge) and Kate (Rachel Paulson) open up their relationship to a three-way fling with beautiful, worldly stranger Mia (Julia Eringer). Only to find the new adventure reveals the flaws in their own bond. As the night unfolds, Jenna discovers the situation is not what she’d been led to believe. Hilarity does not ensue.

On the night of their big date, Jenna and Kate take a rideshare, by happy accident with an alluring, lovely driver named Yuka (Courtney McCullough), to Mia’s place. They bring one of Mia’s favorite wines, a fact, among many, that Kate knows about Mia and Jenna doesn’t. She explains that they’ve been texting quite a bit.

Jenna is nervous, having never been with two women before, and Kate reassures her feverishly that it will be a good time. Party drugs and wine make everyone comfortable. Music, dancing, flirting, and eventually, a move to the bedroom follows. The ebb and flow of the event is telling, Jenna seems lost when Kate and Mia are touching. Kate burns with irrepressible jealousy when it’s Mia and Jenna. Mia has been in this situation before and doesn’t take it terribly seriously, enjoying the company and touch of her beautiful companions for the night. She’s oblivious to the tensions between the couple. Before the evening is out a wild new use for popsicles will be employed. 

“Girlfriends Jenna and Kate open up their relationship to a three-way fling with a beautiful, worldly stranger…”

Exploring fluid monogam-ish experience is nothing new to gay, bi, or even straight couples, but is becoming more acceptable to talk about now in American culture. This is varsity level sophisticated sex, and it is not for everyone. Motives should always be clarified, particularly if one partner is pushing more for it. Jenna and Kate communicate poorly, and the results are unexpected for all three women. 

On the other hand, there’s an argument to be made that broken situations should fail faster so everyone can get on with their lives in the aftermath. During pauses in the intense episode, Mia and Jenna at different times wind up sitting in the backyard chatting with Clark. He is the resident of the guest house, who serves as a well mannered Deus Ex Machina of exposition. On a night that was supposed to be a thrilling next-level fling, secrets are surfaced, lives are changed, and then life goes on. 

Carlton also directed the feature films Hannah Free and Jamie & Jessie are Not Together. She brings this story to the screen with confidence and grace. The photography is beautiful. The tone is warm and inviting. This is a party you want to be invited to, and a film you should see.