Why I watched it: I loved the book and have read it maybe 3 times? (And I’ve listened to the audio twice as well. The narration isn’t even that good but I like the story so much and needs must, etc). So, when I found out Passionflix were making a movie of it I had to sign up and watch. (I used discount code TRUCK to get $2.00 off. I don’t know if it’s still valid but you’re welcome to try it.)

What it’s about: (via Passionflix) Early in her life, Josephine Malone learned the hard way that there was only one person she could love and trust: her grandmother, Lydia Malone. Out of necessity, unconsciously and very successfully, Josephine donned a disguise to keep all others at bay. She led a globetrotting lifestyle on the fringes of the fashion and music elite, but she kept herself distant. While Josephine was trotting the globe, retired boxer Jake Spear was living in the same small town as Lydia. There was nothing disguised about Jake. Including the fact he made a habit of making very bad decisions about who to give his love. But for Josephine and Jake, there was one person who adored them. One person who knew how to lead them to happiness. And one person who was intent on doing it. Even if she had to do it as her final wish on this earth.

What worked for me (and what didn’t): I was so impressed with the casting and attention to the little details from the book. I spent much of the movie with a happy smile on my face (apart from the bits which were sad of course). Jake, Josie and the children (including the Taylors) in particular were just great. I loved too the decision to decision to cast a Black actress (Robin S. Walker) to play Alyssa. The only casting decision I was a bit iffy about was Henry. I didn’t get why Josie would ever have been in love with him to be honest. He just didn’t do it for me at all (sorry Martin Dingle-Wall) and he didn’t fit my mental image of Henry even a little.

Kristen Ashley books tend to have a lot of description in them – which I suppose is a boon for movie-makers; there’s a lot which can be easily cut and plenty of inspiration for the visuals.

Of course, various aspects of the book needed to be cut for time and reasonable people will disagree on whether the screenwriter got it right. I’m very familiar with the book which was both a bonus and something of a curse in that respect. I think adaptations of longer works often benefit from the viewer importing knowledge of the original text to their understanding of the story. The parts with Josie’s uncle and even much of Josie and Alyssa’s friendship benefited me here. I wondered if viewers who had not previously read the book would have truly understood those sections? Also, until I re-read it the opening section, I honestly believed Josie had gone to the wrong restaurant rather than (as she did) stand Jake up that first night. There were things I would have liked to have been expanded upon more but for the most part, the movie hit the highlights of the book. I think it was a good decision to cut the “fake pregnancy” storyline from one of Connor’s “girls” but it was a little curious that there was basically zero mention of Connor and Amber’s mother in the movie. I understand why much of the subplot involving her would be cut but to just delete her felt a little strange. And I really wanted the epilogue to be in the film. I’m a little resentful it wasn’t. I was hoping for a post credit scene but… alas.

There were parts of the movie which felt cheesy but I’m not complaining about it. Honestly I was pretty happy with it.

It’s also really obvious that the movie had a female director (Louise Alston) as there was a clear female gaze to the camerawork. With one exception*, I thought the sex scenes were very well done – intimate and sexy without be gratuitous. Chris L. McKenna shows off a (fine) butt but Megan Dodds remains covered with flashes of thigh and a bit of side boob being the limit of her exposure. Some of the best lines in the book are put to good use – mostly by Mr. McKenna and I have to say – it was really something to hear the word “fuck” used as a verb and not a swear. Holy hotness Batman.

(The one exception was a scene at Lavender House when the camera is on the side and Josie’s hair looks like it’s levitating – which was weird and not sexy.)

What else? I plan to watch the movie again before (most probably) cancelling my Passionflix subscription. There aren’t that many movies on the service yet. I’ve pretty much watched the ones I wanted to already and, understandably, it takes a lot longer to make a movie than it does for me to watch it. I’m not sure what the answer is. I want to support the service but they need more content to keep me interested. Still, it’s worth signing up for The Will alone, particularly if you’re a fan of the book. It was super fun to watch, sexy and romantic and really quite delightful.