Ninja Thyberg’s debut feature film PLEASURE is a journey into the Los Angeles porn industry through the lens of newcomer Bella Cherry (Sofia Kappel). The film follows the young and ambitious woman, who leaves her small town in Sweden and heads to LA with the aim of becoming the world’s next big porn star. Strong, self-confident and determined, Bella embarks on a mission to become the best at any cost, but soon discovers that the road to her goal turns out to be bumpier than she’d imagined.

PLEASURE is written and directed by Thyberg with a stunning first time performance by Kappel, who anchors an ensemble of adult industry actors.

“Thyberg doesn’t shy away from the specifics of her milieu, but it’s not an exposé on what pornography does to women as much as a harrowing examination of what the workplace expects and allows from women and men.”  (The Wrap)

“Grounded in years of meticulous research into the porn scene and cast with actors drawn entirely from that world except for Kappel herself, Pleasure is very persuasive in its evocation of the milieu.” (Hollywood Reporter)

“Kappel’s jaw-dropping and fearless performance blurs fiction and reality.” (RogerEbert.com)

“Less interested in giving pleasure than in taking it back, Thyberg’s film might end on an ambiguous note, but few movies have ever been so eager to bare the simple truth of those words.” (IndieWire)

“Any number of films and plays and books have examined this process of moral and spiritual deterioration caused by some form of physical abuse, but Pleasure has the added edge of showing it in vividly realistic terms.” (Deadline Hollywood)

Monday, May 16
Doors 8:30 pm | Movie 9:00 pm
Advance tickets HERE

Monday, May 23 Final Screening
Doors 6:15 pm | Movie 6:45 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Advance tickets HERE

*This film contains depictions of graphic sexuality. Must be 19+ for entry. Rio Theatre Groupons and passes OK for any single film screening only. Please redeem at the box office.
*If you are looking to redeem your tickets to either a canceled Rio Theatre screening or a Rio Theatre gift certificate, please email <[email protected]> with info including your name, canceled receipt number, gift certificate info, what you are wanting to see and when, and we can make the switch for you in advance. Alternately, you can bring this information with you to the venue, and we will do our best to help you at the box office.

PLEASURE (Ninja Thyberg, 2021 / 105 mins / English and Swedish with English subs) Bella Cherry arrives in Los Angeles with dreams of becoming an adult film star, but she soon learns that fame won’t come easy as she harnesses her ambition and cunning to rise to the top of this mesmerizing and singular world.