Definition of Bight: In ropework, a bight is the slack middle section of a rope, the part that forms a curve or loop between the two ends. It’s used in knottying and sailing terminology. A coastal bight is often remote, fog-laden and difficult to navigate – perfect setting for a suspenseful film where characters may be trapped, hunted or isolated from outside help. This is especially fitting for the explicit opening credits in which we are presented with naked female bodies being tied up in “rope play” for pleasurable purposes. However, there’s more going on here than your basic S&M fetishes and the symbolism of being caught in the loop between “two ends” may not exactly end well.  

Directed, written by and starring Maiara Walsh (as the doe-eyed Charlie), comes a typical fairy tale of two artists in love who are working out their past trauma through baby steps (foreshadowed pun intended), and rediscovering each other again. However, it’s probably not the best idea when working on a semi-broken relationship, to visit friends (fellow artist couple Naomi and Sebastian) who have ulterior motives for this evening’s adventures aside from an upscale haughty meal.   

Boundaries are pushed, rules are disregarded and safe words are not even addressed in this erotic thriller which also features co-writer/onscreen partner Cameron Cowperthwaite as Charlie’s “loyal” and protective hero, Atticus.  

There’s an air of subjective sexual tension when Charlie and Atticus arrive at this “celebration” hosted by attractive Sebastian (Mark Hapka) and Naomi (Maya Stojan). Leading them through the expensively staged home, the visitors immediately inquire about the obvious absence of others. Well, there ARE no others. This is a simple dinner for four, one which should have turned up the red flags upon that misleading invitation.  

Sebastian’s alpha maleness takes over the conversation into a land of luxury, indulgence and artistic freedom. As he speaks about his newest collection, Atticus’ mind flashes into scenes of seduction and sex between himself and Naomi. Is this a fantasy he hopes to explore or memories of a recent tryst he is already involved in?  

Through a slow persuasion of words and hypnotic gazes radiating from Sebastian’s proposal of capturing the overwhelming connection between posing two live figures for his final piece, Atticus’ reluctance strongly conveyed. Imagine his shock when Charlie chimes in with full and eager support as we start to see the layers of hidden secrets are unfurled.  

While Charlie feels as if her life with Atticus is suffocating, he is already drowning and they agree to become tools in Sebastian’s final vision. Or would this be his final revenge?

Sparks of previous sexcapades and arousing sensuality is orchestrated to grant Sebastian’s pretentious objective – creating beauty from suffering. These uncomfortable raw emotions disperse once he weaponizes his camera, forcing his models to unleash harbored regret and reveal complicit pain both mentally and eventually…physically. All the while being rope-tied, suspended and (more or less) held captive, the evilness of Sebastian’s attempt to pull out confessions turns the players against each other and results in a shocking splatterfest.

Bight brings the dangers of exploration into a world of open practices for fetishism, open intimate relationships and payback for the entanglement of interfering feelings. Perhaps being too open isn’t the best idea when dealing with a vengeful visionary who knows how to tie a tight knot.