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Steam

DVD

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5-10 days

$14.99 (40% off)
List Price: ~~$24.99~~

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Synopsis

Steam tells the stories of three very different women, whose lives are linked only by the steam room at the local gym. The women seem "stuck" in life. They are unable to overcome what is keeping them from growing and thriving in their lives, until each embarks on a relationship that will lead them to themselves.

Review

Three women living in three very different worlds share two things. Firstly, they all frequent the steam room, where they, well, blow off steam (metaphorically speaking, of course). Rarely during steam time do they exchange conversation, save for a few words of wisdom that usually come from the eighty-something sagely African-American widow (played by Ruby Dee).

The other circumstance they all face (unbeknown to each other) is that they've all been smacked, hard, in the face by "different" types of love. Laurie (Ally Sheedy) is cruising down recently-divorced-with-an-asshole-ex-husband lane when her son's young, gorgeous football coach suddenly becomes interested in her. He's twice her junior, so this concept is a little baffling to her, but she goes with it and experiences mind-blowing sex and a serious self-confidence overhaul. Elizabeth (newcomer and out bisexual actress Kate Siegel) who recently escaped her Catholic, Republican parents (thank goodness for college) has an epiphany when she develops a crush on a sexy bisexual activist chick – who shows an interest in her as well. And Doris (Ruby Dee) is coping with her husband's death when she meets a charming older gentleman in the same boat.

Steam isn't a lesbian movie per-se, but rather it is a pleasant, entertaining drama about women at different points in their life experiencing the same kind of thing. The movie is well-made and since it's packed with experienced stars, it's very well-acted. Ruby Dee was actually recently widowed in real life and her experience translates heart breakingly on screen. Steam is by no means a pivotal must-have for all lesbians, but it's a great lesbian "chick flick" to have on-hand if you're having movie night with the girls (or boys!), of any sexual orientation. You and your gal pals will be able to settle into your usual boy-meets-girl drama, but you won't be left out in the cold and your girls won't be subjected to a 90-minute, in-your-face dyke extravaganza! (Although I do think 90-minute dyke extravaganzas should be subjected upon your friends occasionally, however moderation is always the key.)

-- Raeann Drew

Product Format Information

DVD : $14.99

Availability: Usually ships in
5-10 days
Close Caption: Yes
Region Code: 1
UPC: 754703763273
Catalog #: DV2932412

Studio : Wolfe Releasing

Languages: English Dolby Digital 2.0 (Primary)
Aspect Ratio: Widescreen
Extras: Trailers, Deleted Scenes
Features:
Audition tapes
Featurette: Making of

Keywords

Drama, Friendship, Gay/Lesbian, Lesbian

Genres

Lesbian, Wolfe Video

Customer Reviews

Three Women

Amos Lassen wrote on 07/25/2009:

“Steam”
Three Women
Amos Lassen
Three very different women whose lives come together at the steam room of their local gym is the subject of the new film, “Steam” (Wolfe Releasing). Each of the women is at a place in her life where it seems as if nothing new is happening. The women seem to have stopped growing and it is not until each of the women becomes involved in a relationship do they finally come into their own. This is a women’s movie and what it does is get them to talk about the things in their lives that make them who they are.
Doris (Ruby Dee) is a widow who is lonely and is mourning her husband’s death. She was once an active church member but she no longer participates. When she meets August, she finds herself finding happiness again but that is shattered bu August’s family who think she is just trying to use August for money.
Laurie (Ally Sheedy) is a “soccer mom” whose husband has been having an affair with a younger woman while attempting to turn Laurie’s son against her. A bitter divorce ensued and Laurie is disheartened by it and the custody battle. Her life takes a turn when she becomes involved with a younger man. Laurie is encouraged throughout by her best friend, Jacky (Chelsea Handler).
Elizabeth (Kate Siegel) is a college student who lives on campus but her parents still dominate her life. They live close and demand that Elizabeth accompany them to church every Sunday. Trying to breakaway, Elizabeth meets Niala (Reshma Shetty) in her gender studies class. The two women fall in love and Elizabeth is forced to face her parents’ wrath.
The acting is superb throughout and the cast is wonderful. Everything about the film is excellent and Dee and Siegel shine. The story is realistic and the direction by Kate Schnicker is perfect.