Netflix Picks: The Fast And The Forbidden

Although "The Fast and the Forbidden" sounds like a sexy version of those Vin Diesel movies, that's not what we're going for here. Today's Netflix Picks are all about relationships that surprise those involved with a combination of quick growth and curious taboo.

Relationships like these are as dangerous and destructive as they are exciting. In real life, we think those burning passions that matter more than anything else are idiotic, but gosh darnit they are so fun to watch.

1. Come Undone: It always seems to start with a comfortable and "happy" relationship, doesn't it? Alba Rohrwacher is a married accountant who decides to make a move on Pierfrancesco Favino, and as their carnal escapades become more frequent, their emotions get out of control. Fortunately, this isn't one of those cliche life-obliterating affairs; Alba and Pierfrancesco must slowly deal with their families and friends, draining themselves day by day. It's much more realistic, therefore, the sex and nudity look even hotter.

2. Therese and Isabel: Radley Metzger—who would later go on to make hardcore German films—adapted one of Violette Leduc's novels into this tale of lesbian romance budding against all odds at a French all-girl boarding school. We know, that's about as fresh as a pizza delivery guy showing up with an extra-large sausage pie, but hear us out: the overdone story is redeemed by the fact that it features little nudity and lots of other erotic expression. We would rather watch Therese and Isabel's faces during sex, and that's what we get.

3. Secret Things: If you're bummed that the first two movies are a little light on nudity, we're prepared to make that up to you with "Secret Things." The movie begins with a woman masturbating by candlelight, walking over to a chair, and masturbating more. Besides the onanism, you get voyeurism, exhibitionism, sadomasochism, and other -isms played out in twos and threes. The story has to do with two women who use their sexual powers to infiltrate a corporation and run the show, but as some reviewers have pointed out, the plot gets nudged along by "acres and acres of nudity." Did you hear that? Acres.

[At top: a still from "Come Undone" (movies.netflix.com)]