Lose yourself in a cosmic, vibrant, dreamy fantasy world filled with sparkling water and shimmering pink skies, all beautifully lit by a gentle, enchanting glow. This magical realm is decorated with glitter, pink rotary phones adorned with gems and an atmosphere pulsing with a girly pop vibe — a whimsical place called Trashtown, USA, where fantasy and fun collide in a kaleidoscope of colors and sensations.
And with a title like Fucktoys, I knew I was in for a wild ride at the 2025 Nashville Film Festival!
Fucktoys tells the story of AP (Sriram), a sex worker who learns from several psychics that she has a curse that must be lifted… for the simple price of $1,000. We follow her on her journey and strange adventures with her friend Danni (Sadie Scott) as they try to gather the money (and lamb) to break the curse.
This is the debut full-length feature from local Annapurna Sriram, who is the writer, director and star. She commands any room she enters with an undeniable presence, her aura and natural beauty radiating in a way that feels almost surreal. Her film not only showcases her impressive range and talent as an actress and filmmaker but also demonstrates her ability to craft compelling stories. This work proves she is a force to be reckoned with in the industry, hinting at a promising future filled with impactful projects.
The film pushes the limits of sleaze and camp. I am by no means a prude, but even I was blushing (and cringing) from a few scenes. You don’t see everything, but your imagination can fill in the blanks. While it may make you gasp or clutch your pearls, don’t scoff just yet. There’s more to it than just a lewd scene. The comedic element is present throughout the runtime, even during the sex and trick moments. My theater was in stitches!
Sriram is a visionary with a clear direction for this film. The film is highly stylish. It’s shot on 16mm, giving it a grainy, retro feel. The visuals are striking with richly saturated colors. You simply can’t look away. In the middle, there are moments where the story and pace slow down just a bit, but the visuals hold your attention. Some moments feel like Giallo, which makes my little horror-loving heart happy.
Imagine an NSFW version of a Sabrina Carpenter music video or even The Love Witch, a 2016 film by Anna Biller that pays homage to Technicolor thrillers.
The performances by everyone involved were exceptional. Some familiar faces included Brandon Flynn from 13 Reasons Why and Damian Young from Ozark. They both deliver hilarious performances that only their personalities can showcase.
But Sriram is the standout here and a natural talent, effortlessly captivating the audience. She’s an elegant yet gritty character, often traveling around on a moped through the busy streets, which adds to her charm and relatability. She embodies a lovable heroine you genuinely want to root for amid the chaos, her presence breaking through the turmoil with ease. Her radiant aura, which I mentioned earlier, seamlessly carries over to the screen, making her magnetic on camera. From just being in her presence, I am convinced she will be a big star, whether she continues to shine in front of the camera or decides to excel behind it.
The film is mostly satire, but it also offers a perspective into the sex worker world through a woman’s eyes. Sean Baker’s Anora comes to mind, since it also highlighted the world of sex work. I’m not sure if Sriram was trying to convey a message or not, but one can find a thread of social commentary woven throughout. One thing these two films have brought to my attention is how sex work is work, not a corrupt system that most people may think it is.
Sriram worked on this project for eight years, so I imagine she wanted to convey themes of inclusivity, diversity and LGBTQ+ representation — and she definitely did. As we say down south, “Y’all means all.”
While I feel the subplot of “the curse” got a little lost, that didn’t stop me from enjoying the movie. The third act went completely wild, so I forgot about the curse. It did eventually fizzle out, but that’s open to interpretation.
I rate Fucktoys four out of five stars. Full of love and empathy at its core, this movie is a perfect example of why we should support independent filmmakers. Indie films break conventional norms and explore bold, unconventional themes. It pushes boundaries with its raw, gritty aesthetic and indie spirit, delivering a punk rock-style film that reminded me of the raw creativity and passion that first drew me to cinema. The film’s edgy tone and innovative approach make it a standout in the indie scene, showcasing the power of independent filmmaking to challenge and inspire.
Although I personally would never watch this with my mom, I encourage you to gather your closest friends, stay open-minded and explore the neon-lit city of Trashtown, USA.