Synopsis
American erotic drama: Two Moon Junction first premiered in 1988 under the direction of Zalman King, particularly known for his deep dives into matters of intimacy and emotional storytelling. With its sultry atmosphere set in the regions of the American South, the film captures a tumultuous struggle of societal norms versus personal desires and freedom.
The focus is on April Delongpre, daughter of an affluent Southern family, played by the actress Sherilyn Fenn. April faces the dilemma of being stuck between a life that is already carved out for her, as well as in existence full of possibilities. After having graduated from college, she is engaged to Chad Douglas Fairchild, a symbol of the country’s calmness and respectability. Chad is the archetype of Southern gentility: proper, polished, and approved by April’s grandmother Belle Delongpre, who is a highly authoritative figure proudly protective of her family’s roots and legacy.
Yet, April hides more than simply an upper class society lady. Her internal conflict waits to unfold the moment she meets Perry, a carnival worker played by Richard Tyson. Perry is the quintessential “cabin in the woods” persona. He is everything April’s world isn’t; he’s spontaneous, rugged and the complete opposite of a socialite. Their first meeting is nothing short of an Hollywood romance. An irresistible spark has set the stage for an affair that is certain to alter the course of April’s life forever.
Due to sheer passion and temptation, April starts sneaking away for lengthy escapades with Perry. Their steamy romance turns out to be more addictive than April expected. The affair is bound to turn Juliet into a full blown sociopath. On the other side of the board is perceptive Belle Delongpre, quickly noticing the absurd amounts of rebellious energy her granddaughter possesses. Losing no time, Delongpre does everything in her power to destroy the couple and brings a dead-eyed silence to the family.
Now witness the world-shaking confrontation of the stifling Southern aristocratic high society and the exhilarating freedom of the passions. April is in a world of her own and is balancing between a need and a life that she truly would want to lead. There is a tension in the air awaiting to explode, and her anger comes to resolution only as she deals with a truth that lies deep within her and breaks open. The movie builds towards a tension where the protagonist has no option but to make a choice — the mundane existence designated for her and her future or a reckless life full of opportunities brimming with uncertainty.
The story’s romanticism and emotional struggles are most clearly seen in the whole setting of the sultry South which builds even more drama throughout the movie. The intense heat gives way to lazy afternoons and the moody neon lights of the carnival symbolize the emotional tension of April which is explicit in all of her emotions and battles. Without trying so hard, the movie expertly captures intrinsic passion, but on the other hand it also focuses on other dimensional elements to tell such as the nature of self, non-conformity, and the paradox of freedom.
Cast & Crew
Two Moon Junction is one of the featured films with a cast that spectacularly portrays and seeks to embody every single theme in the film which includes contradiction, unbalanced compositions and romance to expose the viewer to the profound sensuality and tension within the film.
Sherilyn Fenn as April Delongpre
Sherilyn Fenn does a memorable performance as April capturing the character’s sorrows, a stunning southern belle with a spark of desire to a woman yearning to find herself. Fenn’s performance is thoughtful, striking a balance between a vulnerability juxtaposed with elusion and innocence against yearning intertwining hope and defiance at the same time.
Richard Tyson as Perry
Richard Tyson’s portrayal is stormy as well as soft, portraying the rugged carnival worker Perry with unrestrained freedom who pulls April out of her constricted world, lifting her spirit in midair. He certainly adds body to screen.
Louise Fletcher as Belle Delongpre
Fletcher’s performance enhances the film’s weight as a loving, yet overbearing guardian whose grandmother April wishes to escape from, while in essence portrays Belle as both.
Martin Hewitt as Chad Douglas Fairchild
Hewitt’s also portrays April’s posh and preppy fiancé who best describes what is expected and presented to her. While for her attraction to Perry is an act of revolt against that norm posed by her society.
Heron Carvic as Belle’s Lawyer
The role of Carvic is not large, but it expresses the legalistic and societal tools used by April’s grandmother that try to sever April’s ties with Perry that Belle uses.
Zalman King directed the film and co-wrote the script with Patricia Louisianna Knop. King is best known for his uniquely erotic brand of storytelling, having later directed films such as Wild Orchid and produced the infamous Red Shoe Diary series. His work on Two Moon Junction is a testament to the fact that King with much fervor attempted to push the envelope of human desire vis a vie social acceptability.
As portrayed by Gideon Porath, the sultry Southern setting is soft-lit and steam-infused, which works with the film’s erotically charged undertones. The film’s score by Jonathan Elias deepens its gloomy mood, sensually complementing the visuals with haunting and rhythmic melodies that emphasize the story’s tension and passion.
IMDb Ratings and Critical Reception
Upon its release, Two Moon Junction received a polarised critical reception but was soon adored by audiences for its unabashed eroticism and theme of forbidden love. On IMDb, the film’s rating reflects its status as a cult classic.
Film critics seemed split at the time. Some of them praised the blossom cinematography and bold acting by Sherilyn Fenn who played April. Others believed the film focused too much on eroticism and sacrificed deeper character portrayals. Despite the mixed reviews, those that critiqued the film still noted the stunning visuals and the nature of the film which embraced the sensual themes unapologetically.
Over the years, the film has garnered a dedicated cult following as it portrays sex in an honest, dream-like fashion. It is commended for its erotic depiction of a young woman proactively claiming ownership over her sexuality and defying boundless societal norms. The onscreen chemistry that Fenn and Tyson share is arguably one of the best in the film and their romance felt truly real, raw, and intense.
Two Moon Junction is memorable for its placement in the late 80s and its exploration of more sensual and intimate stories. The film also marks the start of more explicit portrayals of sexuality in the decade following.
Conclusion
At its core, Two Moon Junction explores sultry desire and unshackling one’s self from societal norms. The film possess an enchanting, albeit taboo, quality that passion brings forward through King’s direction, Fenn’s and Tyson’s performances, and the rich ambience.
This was certainly not the case when it first came out, but the fact that the film is viewed as a cult classic clearly demonstrates that its portrayal of sexuality and independence is no holds barred. For anyone that is intrigued by the beauty and complications of listening to one’s heart, Two Moon Junction is deeply moving and unforgettable.
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