‘Truly Naked’ Actors on Making Porn, Intimacy and Creating Fantasy

Variety

by Marta Balaga

February 22, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

"Truly Naked," a Berlinale hit directed by Muriel d’Ansembourg, challenges traditional portrayals of intimacy and sexuality in film. The movie focuses on real human connection rather than the explicit fantasy often seen in porn, as highlighted by actress Alessa Savage. She emphasizes that true intimacy is deeply personal and feels better than it looks, contrasting it with the performative nature of pornography. The film follows Dylan, an adult performer, and his son Alec, who works behind the scenes in their family’s adult entertainment business. When Alec meets Nina, a newcomer to the industry, he begins to question his identity and the life he’s been handed, ultimately striving for authenticity over societal expectations. D’Ansembourg’s debut feature explores the complexities of love and relationships by embracing the messiness of real-life interactions rather than perfection. The director highlights how vulnerability is often overshadowed in modern society by the constant exposure of sexuality in media. By focusing on emotional truths and the quiet, awkward moments of connection, "Truly Naked" aims to break free from cultural taboos surrounding intimacy. This approach resonates with audiences, as evidenced by the film’s success at festivals and the bidding wars among distributors. The cast and crew credit the film’s authenticity to its emphasis on storytelling over physicality. Intimacy coordinator Philine Janssens and the team prioritized emotional depth, creating a contrast between the loud, transactional world of explicit content and the quiet bravery of genuine human connection. The film also touches on broader societal issues, such as how young people are influenced by extreme depictions of sexuality online. By offering a tender, coming-of-age narrative, "Truly Naked" encourages viewers to reflect on their own experiences with vulnerability and authenticity. For readers interested in entertainment and cultural shifts, "Truly Naked" offers a fresh perspective on intimacy and sexuality in film. Its success highlights the growing demand for nuanced storytelling that challenges traditional norms. As Muriel d’Ansembourg noted, this is the right time to break boundaries and shed shame around these topics. The film’s impact extends beyond its artistic merits, sparking conversations about how we approach love, sex, and identity in modern society.

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Originally published on Variety on 2/22/2026