sundance premiere: Bunnylovr explores digital age intimacy

3 Min Read
sundance premiere: Bunnylovr explores digital age intimacy

Katarina Zhu’s directorial debut “Bunnylovr” offers a compelling portrait of a young Chinese American woman navigating life in New York City while working as a cam girl. Zhu herself stars as Becca, whose life takes an unexpected turn when a persistent client sends her a live rabbit, which she names Milk. This seemingly innocuous gift coincides with the reappearance of Becca’s estranged, dying father William, played by Perry Yung, whom she encounters randomly on the street.

Becca faces emotional challenges from all directions, experiencing constant fetishization and objectification. She’s her father’s lucky charm in his card games, her artist friend’s muse, and the property of her regular cam client, John, portrayed by Austin Amelio. Despite the toxic nature of her relationship with John, Becca finds a peculiar comfort in their video chats.

This dynamic, marked by a significant power imbalance, is further complicated by the financial incentive John offers for her companionship. Through a series of increasingly depraved interactions, Becca begins to reclaim her agency, symbolized by her growing affection and protectiveness towards Milk.

Reclaiming intimacy through a digital lens

As Becca’s bond with Milk develops, the rabbit becomes a metaphor for her journey towards self-care and personal agency. The film delicately balances dark emotional themes with humor, particularly through Becca’s interactions with her privileged, yet well-meaning, friend Bella, played by Rachel Sennott. Their friendship, filled with genuine concern and fierce loyalty, echoes experiences familiar to many viewers.

Inspired by Zhu’s own strained relationship with her father and her experiences with the men in her life, “Bunnylovr” is a cathartic exploration of seeking intimacy in the digital age. The film ultimately reveals Becca’s transformation from a people-pleaser to someone who learns to prioritize her own well-being and happiness. “Bunnylovr” stands out as a bold and authentic narrative, shedding light on the complexities of modern relationships and the search for self-worth against the backdrop of an increasingly virtual world.

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The film runs for 1 hour and 26 minutes and is produced by Tristan Scott-Behrends, Ani Schroeter, Rhianon Jones, Roger Mancusi, and Rachel Sennott. Utopia and WME manage the distribution rights.

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