Affinity - Lesbian Life Move Review of Affinity

I have to admit when I heard Affinity was a Lesbian Supernatural Prison Drama I thought, “Huh?” What crazy dyke came up with this wacky genre? New Netflix category? Truly, as a lesbian movie reviewer, I’m starting to feel like I’ve seen it all. I put my criticisms aside however when I viewed the first interaction between the flick’s hot leading ladies, Zoe Tapper and Anna Madeley. Whew!

Set in late 19th century Britain, this suspenseful thriller depicts the lusty infatuation between Margaret Prior (Madeley) and Selina Dawes (Tapper). A suffering socialite, Margaret is reeling from the loss of her esteemed father as well as rejection by a “close friend” who, by the way, ends up marrying Margaret’s brother. (No comment.) She is in dire need of escape and distraction from her sorrow. To ease her pain, she pursues the charitable endeavor of mentoring female inmates at Millbank prison. When she meets Selina, a medium incarcerated after a séance’s deadly outcome, Margaret is enraptured. Selina seems to see though her, to understand how best to fill her aching needs. (Yea, there are days my wife wishes I was psychic, too.) Convinced of Selina’s innocence, Margaret embarks on a journey to free her, one that will uncover dark and, ultimately, dangerous truths.

Affinity is based on the novel by Sarah Waters, also known for Tipping the Velvet and Fingersmith. If you haven’t read these works or seen their film adaptations, definitely reserve, rent or buy. They are well worth the witnessing. A brilliant author, she continues to enthrall her audiences and delight her passionate fans. Have you ever played the Dinner Party game, in which you pick the top ten people you would most like to invite? The divine Sarah Waters is high on my list. How I’d like to pour her a few Chardonnays and hear her innermost thoughts.

4 ½ stars. Watch the premiere on Logo, airing August 17 2008 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. Like me, you may have a real affinity for it. (Ha! Just couldn’t help myself.)