Original subtitles

(wind howling)

(alarm ringing)

- [Baldwin] I'm Dr. Baldwin.

You're listening to Love Bolt Radio Hour.

Thanks for tuning in on this wonderful Wednesday.

Caller, how can I help you today?

- [Jack] Hey, my name is Jack.

I'm a huge fan of your show.

I've been listening for a very long time.

Basically, I am a gay man.

I know you couldn't tell, but I am.

And I am turning 30, the big three-oh.

Which basically means we disappear in our community.

We cease to exist.

So I was wondering if you had any advice on how

to make myself visible again.

- [Baldwin] Thank you, Jack.

First of all, age doesn't have anything

to do with finding love.

You just have to go out and look for it.

Don't be afraid to strike up a conversation

with someone you don't even know.

Sometimes, the best people for us are the ones

we would never have thought to be with in the first place.

Love is out there, you just need to be open to finding it.

All of us deserve to find a little love now and then.

Why not start today?

I'm Dr. Baldwin, and you're listening to Hot 103.5.

♪ Some days I can't decide ♪

♪ If I should be alive ♪

♪ I can't escape it ♪

♪ This undying pain ♪

♪ The moment of conscience ♪

♪ Is here today ♪

♪ So hold tight if you still believe ♪

♪ Everything will come around eventually ♪

♪ If I surrender to the wind ♪

♪ Maybe I will finally, finally feel it ♪

♪ Whoa, whoa ♪

(skin slapping) (person moans)

- Are you close yet?

I have class.

(suspenseful music)

(Michael exhales)

- [Liza] So, how'd the date go?

- Frustrating.

It feels like most gay guys just want to be intimate

without any actual intimacy.

You know, it's like, sure,

we can have this great time in bed or whatever,

but once it comes to actually getting to know each other,

there's just nothing.

- I'm sure not everyone's like that, Michael.

There's gotta be guys out there that are looking

for something meaningful, just like you are.

Are you depressed?

- I don't know.

I don't know.

- Have you considered talking to a therapist?

- Honestly, I don't think it would help.

Look, I just, I feel so lost right now.

Like I've forgotten how to be happy.

Like my inner bright light that was set

at 110 has just been replaced

by some cheap LED bulb or something.

- I mean, that's, that's exactly why I think

therapy might be helpful.

They're like emotional electricians.

Mine's a genius, actually.

Want his info?

- Maybe.

I just, I don't know if I'm ready to open up to a stranger.

- Yeah, I understand that.

But I mean, just remember, they've,

they've likely heard it all before.

Even the saucy bits.

I was nervous too, the first time.

- Dr. Gika? - Yeah.

- [Michael] Maybe.

- Just think about. - Maybe.

You know I love you.

- I love you, too.

(person moans) (suspenseful music)

- Yeah, hi, my name is Michael.

I was referred to you by, by my friend Liza.

She's one of your clients.

Uh, okay.

Look, my, my partner of 10 years turned out

to be a sociopath.

He embezzled all of my money and abandoned me,

and it's been almost a year,

and I'm still struggling with it.

Okay.

I'll see you Tuesday.

(water trickling) (calming music)

I feel like I've been living in

the shadows since Bernie left.

That's his name.

After he did what he did, it's like I can't trust myself

to make the right decisions anymore.

- You know, Michael, it's perfectly normal

to feel this after such betrayal.

But remember, trust can always be rebuilt.

- I feel like I've lost who I am in some way.

I think I gave so much of myself to this person.

- How do you manage stress?

(Michael sighs)

- That's a, that's a loaded question.

I've been having a lot of sex with strangers.

- [Dr. Gika] Okay.

- A lot of strangers.

- How do you feel before and after each experience?

- I don't feel present when I have sex.

I feel like I'm just going through the motions.

- Wow.

- I feel like as a gay man, I'm sort of...

I don't know, I've been conditioned to, to think that

that's all that there is.

I grew up watching a lot of porn.

- Okay.

- I thought that was love, you know.

I know it's not making me happy.

I crave more intimacy and meaning.

I don't want to just party, go to the gym.

Sometimes I feel like I'm just gonna be alone.

- I recognize you're suffering, okay?

And I will support you as we navigate this journey together

towards your healing and growth.

Over the next week,

I want you to think what you want from your partner,

the qualities and the values.

- It's been a long time since I've really thought about

what I wanted in a partner.

- Of course.

We'll start with this exercise and go from there.

- Okay.

(suspenseful music) (both groaning)

- Good boy.

(high pitched ringing)

(light classical music)

- [Michael] Mom?

- Michael, there's something I want talk to you about.

You know, your father wasn't the first man to betray to me.

- Really?

You've never talked about that.

- Well, it's not a topic I enjoy discussing,

but I want you to know that I have been where you are,

and I came out stronger.

- How?

- My mother, your grandmother, said something to me once

that I've never forgot.

She said, "We come from a long line of warriors.

You cut off our feet and we will teach ourselves to walk."

- Jesus, Mom. - I know, but it's true.

No matter what life has thrown at us,

we've always found a way to overcome it.

We're survivors.

And you, sweetheart, you're no exception.

Now, Bernie may have been a sociopath,

but that doesn't define you.

You're stronger than you think, Michael.

You're a warrior just like the rest of us,

and you'll find your way through this.

Michael, I am giving you a trip to Venice.

- Mom, no.

This is too much, you already pay my rent.

- This is just for you.

Now, this is where I went when your father left,

and it healed me in ways I can't even describe.

- I can't.

I, I cannot accept this.

- Of course you can.

You deserve it.

Plus, I'm rich.

Sweetie, Bernie's been out of your life

for almost a year now, it is time for you to move on

and start enjoying life and find yourself again.

Sweetheart, you're worth finding.

(dog barking) (cat meowing)

(hand knocks)

- [Madame Zara] Just a minute!

- Michael, what are you doing here?

- Madame Zara, I just need a minute, okay?

I just wanna ask you a couple questions.

I'm confused. - Can't you see the sign?

No readings today, I'm not working.

- Well, I figured you of all people

would know that I was coming.

- Gimme a call tomorrow and we'll make an appointment.

- But I mean, I really need to know what I should do about

traveling alone- - [Madame Zara] Michael!

- [Michael] For the first time since the breakup.

- My spirits are off the clock.

I have no idea what they're gonna say.

- Just one reading. Come on, please.

(cat meows)

(Madame Zara hums)

- Love, travel.

Definitely travel.

Casanova?

- What?

- Oh, they're telling me you need to see the wizard.

- The wizard? Come on.

Please, Madame Zara. Come on.

- Michael, it's like going to the dentist

when you need a haircut, so just go and see him.

I've got a vegan lasagna in the oven,

and I'm not gonna let it burn because of you.

Bye.

(water trickling)

- Professor,

what is it about life and love

that makes it seem so incomprehensible?

- None of that can be grasped with your mind,

but with your entire being.

It's like the wind

moving around us and through us.

The wind does not discriminate or judge.

And it's within you just waiting to be released.

- [Michael] Yes, but how?

(wind chimes tinkling)

- The key is to be present.

To feel without judgment or expectation.

Let go of your fears and doubts

that keep you from fully experiencing life.

Allow yourself to be vulnerable.

And in doing so, you open yourself up to the world.

- I'm afraid being hurt again.

- Fear, my dear boy, is a natural part of life.

But when we let it control us,

it keeps us from experiencing the beauty

that life has to offer.

Embracing life means facing those fears.

And in doing so, we become stronger and more resilient.

Trust in yourself and the journey you are on.

Embracing the unknown.

The limitless possibilities grants us a taste

of the sublime, a glimpse of the transcendent.

It is in the pursuit of the elusive

that we find not only our passion, but our humanity.

A love then becomes a journey, a quest for the ineffable.

And it is in that very act of seeking

that we come to know ourselves.

The unknown becomes an invitation,

an unbridled exploration.

And it is there at the very edge of the infinite.

That one must find the courage to leap,

hands outstretched,

and embrace it.

(wind chimes tinkling) (birds chirping)

- Have you ever had a partner?

(Professor chuckles)

- I had many partners in my time.

Each one unique

and beautiful in their own way.

Love and sensuality are not only about physical pleasure,

it is about understanding the very essence

of the other person

and allowing them to see your own.

It is a dance of souls

as much as it is a dance of bodies.

To discern between connection and attraction,

attune to your emotions

and understand your feelings.

- My mom gifted me a trip to Venice, Italy.

- Oh, Venice.

- I don't know if I should go or not.

I, I haven't traveled since the breakup.

- If I were in your shoes, I would embrace this opportunity

with an open heart and an eager mind.

And dream big.

Fear not.

- How do you do?

I'm Jack.

May I get you started with something to drink?

- Ooh, gin martini, filthy, three olives.

- Water's fine.

- Just a glass of Prosecco.

- You got it.

- What just happened?

(Liza laughs)

Ah, okay so my mom offered me this trip to Venice.

- Venice? - [Michael] Yeah.

- [Dave] Italy? - Yes.

- Really, now?

Well, aren't you concerned about your emotional state?

- I don't know, okay?

I just want to escape

and kind of forget about everything for a while.

- No, no, no, no. - You have to.

- Don't listen to her. - Don't listen to him.

I've always wanted to go to Italy.

Italy...

I mean the, the men there, the food, the wine.

- [Dave] Okay. - The men.

- Okay, the men, yeah.

Well, consider the flooding

and the fact that the city is sinking.

- Dave, Venice isn't sinking tomorrow.

- But you know how romantic that place is, okay?

Michael, you'll be surrounded by couples, okay?

It could make you feel awful.

I mean, just terrible.

- I need to go, I need to see that life goes on.

- You know, if you're gonna go soul searching,

Venice as good a place as any.

- [Michael] Yes. - Okay, but what if you

have a breakdown there, okay?

You won't have any friends or support system.

- Yeah, you know, maybe you should take someone along

with you, a travel companion you can confide in.

- You know, that's actually not a bad idea.

- Me? Oh my god, I love you.

- Okay, hold on, hold on, hold on.

Okay, let's not get carried away here.

Okay, what about your jobs?

- Oh, you're just- - [Dave] Your responsibilities

- [Liza] You're just jealous, Dave.

- I'm not jealous, okay?

I'm not jealous, Michael, I'm just concerned.

- Well, we appreciate that concern, Dave,

but I think a month in Venice could do wonders for me.

- Yeah, we'll send you pictures, Dave.

Maybe bringing back some Murano glass.

- Oh, some Murano glass?

- Yeah. - Yeah, it'll probably

break on the plane.

Murano glass. (Michael and Liza laughing)

- You know, we should take Dave.

- Oh my God.

- [Liza] A group trip to Venice sounds like a blast.

- Oh my god. - [Dave] No, no, it doesn't.

It doesn't sound like a blast. - Yes, it does.

- No, it sounds terrible. No, I can't.

I have, I have my job, okay?

And my cat.

- His cat. - You have a cat, Dave?

- Okay, but why go to Italy when I could just order

the pasta right here tonight?

Did you look at the menu? They have penne.

- Eating the penne here is not the same

as walking ancient streets, tasting real gelato

and soaking up all the Italian-

- [Jack] Filthy martini - Men.

- And a Prosecco for you.

And my number if you want it.

- Oh my God. - You're on fire.

The Italian men are gonna eat you up.

- You guys, look, if you want to come...

- [Liza] I wanna come.

- I would be really thrilled, but it's no pressure.

- Oh yeah, no pressure.

- Okay, all right.

All right, fine, fine. Okay?

But don't blame me when the city sinks.

- To La Dolce Vita!

- To Le Dolce Vita.

(glasses clinking) (both moaning)

Fuck.

- Okay.

- Wanna stay over?

You don't have to go.

- I gotta work tomorrow.

- I'd like to see you again.

- I don't know, I'm, I'm really busy with work.

- Uh, okay.

When are you off next?

- Why?

We already fucked.

- Oh.

Yeah, okay.

- All right, cool.

Well, my ride's here.

So should I...

Are you gonna pay for it?

You know what? See you later.

(door thuds)

(suspenseful music)

(pleasant music)

(water splashing) (gull cawing)

- Oh.

Wow.

- [Michael] Hello.

(people speaking foreign language)

- You are checking in?

- [Michael] Yes. - Ah.

Can I have your passport, please?

- Yes.

(worker speaking foreign language)

Thanks.

wow, this is so nice.

(church bells clanging)

(Michael sighs)

(Michael exhales)

(light clicks)

(church bells clanging) (water sloshing)

(Michael groans)

(blanket rustling)

(light music)

(gull cawing) (light music continues)

So, how about a day trip to Murano?

I really want to see the glass blowers.

- I bet you do.

- Yeah, yeah. I do bet you do.

When would you guys go?

- You guys?

- Yeah, you guys.

- Why wouldn't you go?

- Yeah, this is a group trip, Dave.

- No, it's not. No, not to Murano.

I never agreed to Murano, okay?

There's no Murano in my plans.

- What do you have against Murano?

- Glass blowing? - Are you a Muranoist?

- No, I'm not a Muranoist, if that's even a thing, okay?

No, the glass blowing, it's very dangerous.

Do you know how many tragedies happen a year

in glass blowing, and let alone in Murano alone?

It, it's countless, okay?

They're silenced.

- So there's so many you cannot count them?

- Yeah, that's what I just said. Countless, okay?

You guys are the part of the problem. Okay?

You go and support Murano and their glass blowing.

What about supporting their victims, okay?

And Murano- - How do you know

so much about this?

- Because I, I do my research

before I go somewhere. - He did his research.

- He really did. - Which one's better, okay?

- [Liza] Oh my God. That one, Dave.

How many die a year?

You said, do you know how many-

- We didn't say deaths, okay?

- [Liza] You did, you said you-

- I said tragedies.

- You need this trip more than both of us.

- Our plan working. - I'm so glad he came.

- Yeah.

- Yeah, I'm here, okay?

But I'm just a little tired and this caffeine,

I don't know, it's having adverse effects.

Okay? - [Liza] Like what?

- I'm going to the bathroom a lot more than I used to.

Why is there two toilets?

- [Liza] Oh, one's to wash your butt hole.

- It just sprays on your hole, it feels amazing.

- That's a bidet, Dave.

- A bidet Dave?

- A biDave - Yes, a biDave.

You've never heard a bidet?

- A bidet?

- [Michael] A bidet.

- No. - [Liza] French.

- It washes your butt?

- [Michael] Yeah, its squirts water like on your butthole.

- I've been to plenty bathrooms, okay,

and I've never seen two toilets, let alone your bidet.

- Oh, biDave. Oh, biDave.

(soft classical music)

(ominous music)

(metal clattering)

(zipper buzzing) (Michael breathes heavily)

(Michael sniffles)

(light classical music)

(Michael sniffles)

(waves crashing)

(Liza hums)

- You look like you've been up to something.

- Oh, no.

I was just out exploring, soaking in the ambience.

- That's great.

Want a glass of wine?

- No, I, I'm just tired.

Ah, I'm gonna go to bed.

- Hey.

You know you can tell me anything, right?

- Yeah, I know.

I'm just tired, okay?

- Okay.

- Goodnight.

(door thuds)

(Michael sighs)

(bag thuds)

(Michael groans)

(gull caws) (water sloshing)

- So, I came across this profile of a guy named Marco,

and I wasn't gonna tell you, but after some chatting back

and forth, he invited me to get coffee.

- When? - No.

- Today.

- We should be there in case, you know, back up.

- You guys, I can handle myself.

- Yeah, we know you can, Michael,

but we're just concerned about your safety, that's all.

- Fine, okay? You can come.

But you have to promise me that you'll be discreet.

- Oh, of course. We won't even look at you.

- Oh, definitely.

Are you kidding me? We'll be practically invisible.

Us?

- That looks kind of like the picture.

(both speaking foreign language)

Oh, he's so handsome.

- Yeah, no, I know. I know he's handsome.

He's too handsome, okay?

What if he's in the mafia or something?

- Oh, Dave, not every Italian guy's in the mafia.

- Okay, but guys that look like him, okay?

He has to be in the mafia.

He has ties, I can tell.

- So tell me, what is your favorite thing

about Venezia So far?

- I think it's the way the city seems

to seduce you at every turn.

You know, the winding canals, the mysterious alleyways.

It's all so seductive and tempting.

- Ah, yes.

A city of temptation.

It has a way of drawing you in and making you crave more.

Have you tried the famous gelato?

- Not yet.

- It's rich, creamy, and simply melts in your mouth.

- Really?

Okay, maybe you can show me your favorite place.

- It would be my pleasure.

Just be prepared.

Once you've had a taste, you'll never want to stop.

- Well, Venice seems like the perfect place

to explore all kinds of things.

- Venezia, my dear friend, is a living,

breathing work of art.

Passion flows through its canals

like blood through our veins.

In every corner you will find mystery and seduction.

The shadows hold secrets that only

the bravest souls dare to uncover.

Here, the spirit of Casanova,

the legendary lover, lingers on.

He was a man who understood the importance of pleasure.

He had an insatiable hunger for new experiences

and an undying thirst for the carnal

of delights of the flesh.

Just like the great Casanova, we too can surrender ourselves

to the sensual temptations of Venezia.

We can lose ourselves in the labyrinth of desire.

Where every touch, every taste, every whisper

is a tantalizing invitation

to explore the depths of our own spirit.

Imagine for a moment that we can be the subject

of our own masterpiece, a symphony of sights and moans.

A tapestry of last and longing.

A fresco painted with the strokes of our body

as we succumb to the ecstasy that awaits us.

As we embrace the pleasures of Venezia,

let us also embrace the truth that lies within us.

The truth that we are creatures of desire,

longing to be touched, to be tasted,

to be consumed by the fire that burns within our souls.

And now, invite your curiosity

and allow yourself to dive into the abyss of the unknown

and emerge reborn forever changed

by the magic and the passion

that is Venezia.

Sound good?

- Yeah.

Sounds good.

(Michael exhales)

(Michael chuckles)

- Oh, Michael, hi. We didn't see you there.

- Guys, I'd like you to meet Marco.

Marco, these are my friends, Liza and Dave.

- It's a pleasure to meet you guys.

- Oh, the pleasure is ours, I'm sure.

- So Marco, what exactly is it that you do?

- I'm a calligraphy instructor.

- Marco's gonna play tour guide today, so we'll see you

a little later. - Oh my God,

that's a great idea.

Yeah, we would love a local

to show us around. - [Michael] Oh, no, no, no,

no, no, no, no. - A private guide?

How fantastic! - [Dave] Oh, my god, yeah.

- Well, it would be a pleasure to show you all

the hidden treasures of Venice.

- Okay. - Let's go, let's do it.

- Yeah.

- Where are we going first?

(light music)

- This is all part of the church of (indistinct)

Now we're entering the (indistinct)

- [Liza] Okay.

(Marco speaking foreign language)

Oh, si si.

(Liza and Marco speaking foreign language)

- [Marco] Shall we have some cicchetti?

- [Liza] What's cicchetti?

- [Marco] Cicchetti are small bites.

The word comes from Old Venetian that means

a little bit of.

- [Liza] Mm, sounds yummy-oso.

- We should probably have some cicchetti here, I think.

- Oh, okay.

- [Marco] This actually a lovely place.

- It means small bites, Old Venetian for a little bit of.

- A little bit of.

Oh, the spicy olives are extraordinary.

You have to try them.

- Spicy olives?

Let's get some.

Hey, don't fall for his good looks.

- Here we go.

You are in for a treat.

- Oh my God. - Tada.

- [Liza] Really good.

- [Dave] Why are you eating it?

You don't even know what it is.

- Because I'm adventurous, Dave.

All right? (both laughing)

- This thing is delicious.

It does taste amazing,

- Did you try it? - Yeah, I tried it.

- Oh, nice. - Yeah.

- [Liza] Right? - [Dave] Yeah,

it's really good. - [Liza] Really good.

(light music)

(water sloshing)

- I hope to see you all again soon.

Maybe we can continue our adventure tomorrow.

- Ooh, yeah, looking forward to it.

- Yeah.

- See you inside for drinks?

(people speaking foreign language)

- Goodnight, you guys.

Marco, I just wanted to say thank you

for showing us around today.

We really had such an amazing time.

- It was my pleasure, Michael.

I had a wonderful time,

but maybe it's best if we take things slow.

I'm a bit old fashioned that way.

- Okay, I understand.

- Sweet dreams.

- Sweet dreams.

(Marco speaking foreign language)

- [Liza] I think he's being careful.

Oh, there he is.

- [Michael] Hey. - [Liza] Hi.

I have to say, Michael, he seems like a total catch.

- I still don't trust this guy, okay?

There's something off about him.

I don't know if it's his charm or his good looks,

but it's all a little too perfect if you ask me.

It's like he's hiding something.

- Oh, Dave. - What?

We barely know the guy.

- He was nothing but kind all day.

- Yeah, I think he's so nice.

- [Liza] And handsome.

- Definitely handsome.

And that voice, I could listen to it all day.

- Cheers to that.

(light clicks)

So Michael, any late night rendezvous

with Marco after we all went to bed?

- No, nothing like that.

- [Liza] He didn't come back?

Really?

That's not like you, Michael.

- You see, I told you,

I told you there's something off about this guy, Michael.

Okay? - Or he's just

a gentleman, Dave.

I mean, not everyone jumps into bed after the first date.

- Hey, I don't always do that either.

- Still, it's a little unusual for you,

especially considering all the

chemistry you two seem to have.

- I don't know.

Maybe he's just old fashioned, okay?

And maybe I should try taking things slow for once.

- It's kind of refreshing, isn't it?

I mean, in this day and age, it's hard to find someone

who actually wants to take their time and get to know you.

- No, no.

Or maybe he's playing some kind of game, okay?

Who's turning down a good looking sex pot like Michael?

Tell me that, huh?

Guys. - It's actually a good point.

- Look, I actually appreciate that he didn't just want

to jump into bed with me.

I mean, fine, yeah, I was a little disappointed,

but I'm so much more excited to explore more than his body.

(Liza hums)

(Dave hums)

(church bells dinging) (gulls cawing)

Marco, uh, there's something I want to share with you.

My last relationship ended very badly.

I was betrayed and abandoned by someone

that I really thought I could trust.

- I'm so sorry.

No, it's okay.

It's, it's a terrible thing to experience betrayal.

- [Michael] Yeah. - Especially from

somebody you love.

- Yeah, it is.

- You're strong and resilient, for sure.

It's good that you are opening up to new experiences.

- How do you know I have?

- [Marco] Well, for starters, you are sitting in Venice,

and not locked in your room back home.

- I guess you're right.

I don't know, somehow you just always know

the right thing to say.

It's nice getting to know you.

- [Marco] I feel the same way.

- When I'm close to you, I feel this intense heat,

this passion that I haven't felt in ages.

It's just so exciting.

I can't stop thinking about getting you naked.

- Let's enjoy the magic waiting.

(Marco speaking foreign language)

- But I want to feel you.

(Marco speaking foreign language)

- Marco, I don't know what you're saying.

- Desire has the power to elevate us,

to transport us to a realm where

pleasure and passion merge.

But we must also remember

to balance our desire with restraint.

- I want to kiss you so badly.

- Yes, that is the sweet pain of desire.

Desire is not always easily contained.

I find that incredibly sexy.

(light music)

(Michael moans) (thunder rumbling)

(suspenseful music) (water sloshing)

(light dramatic music)

(church bells clanging) (birds chirping)

- [Michael] Do you ever think about your own true desire?

- [Liza] What do you mean?

- [Michael] I've realized that I crave more

than just physical intimacy.

I mean, sex is great, don't get me wrong.

You know I love that.

But I do want a deeper connection with someone.

- [Liza] You know, in here, there's like this bleeding vibe.

It's a city that seems to be sinking,

and yet it just keeps going.

Maybe that's what love is all about.

- [Michael] Gorgeous, charming,

but also delicate

and at the whim of whatever life throws at you.

- [Liza] Yeah, totally.

And yet with all that fragility, we still chase after it.

Passion, love.

Maybe that's why you're drawn to Marco.

- [Michael] Well, I mean, he has this passion,

this charm about him.

I just can't help but wonder what he's..

- [Liza] What he's hiding?

- [Michael] Yeah.

- [Liza] That's the beauty of human connection, Michael.

We're all a mix of tough and vulnerable.

Look at Dave.

(both laughing)

- [Michael] I see what you mean.

- [Liza] Yeah.

I mean, it's up to us to navigate those complexities

and find the love that endures.

- [Michael] Isn't it amazing how

love can be both our sanctuary and our greatest challenge?

I mean, I think that's what's made

my past relationships so difficult.

'Cause I was so consumed with the appearance of it all,

and yet, never once did I confront the

vulnerability and the fear.

- Absolutely.

And the duality of love is what makes it so compelling.

Crave the comfort and security it provides

while simultaneously facing the

uncertainties and complexities that come with it.

It's a delicate balance between being resilient

and willing to surrender.

Love and Venice, both bound by the same intoxicating dance

between strength and vulnerability.

It's no wonder you were drawn to Marco here of all places.

- Well, perhaps the fact that he's taking things slow is

just an opportunity for us to truly explore the depths

of our connection instead of just getting swept away

with the rush of it all.

- You know, I've been thinking about

how we often judge each other

and the concept of being judgmental.

In my opinion, judgment is just a construct.

Doesn't really exist.

- So you're saying we're all just making it up

as we go along, like some kind of mass hallucination?

- No, I think there's some truth to that actually.

Like we're all just projecting our own

stuff onto other people, right?

It's less about the person we're judging

and more about what's going on in our own head.

- Exactly.

If we can step back and recognize that,

we can open ourselves up to more genuine connections

and understanding instead

of letting judgments cloud our view of others.

You know, this idea of judgments

and constructs leads me to another thought.

That there's no such thing as good

or bad, or right or wrong.

It reminds me of something Alan Watts

or somebody once said that in the grand scheme

of the universe, the only thing that exists

is what is.

Whatever that is, it's neither good nor bad,

nor right nor wrong.

It simply is.

- How so?

- Well, it's easy to get caught up

in our own subjective experiences

and categorize everything into these dualities.

But if we step back beyond our personal judgments

and perception, we can see that the world, the universe,

and everything in it are interconnected

and constantly changing.

It's a dance of existence, a cosmic ballet

where each element is part of the bigger picture.

By letting go of these arbitrary labels we've created,

we can appreciate the beauty

and complexity of life as it is.

In that perspective, there is no need to cling to

these polarizing notions of good and bad

and right and wrong.

We can simply be present,

experiencing each moment fully and with openness,

embracing the infinite dance

that is the essence of being.

- Hold on a second, Marco.

If there's no such thing as good

or bad or right or wrong, then how do we make decisions?

I mean, morality is universally understood.

There's no openness to it.

There's gotta be good and bad

because it helps us make decisions.

I mean, there has to be some foundation to morality,

and if there isn't, then we'd all

just be running around lawless.

- Dave, I understand your concerns,

but let's consider the etymology of the world's morality.

It has its origins in religious doctrine

and was shaped by the church to impose certain values

and beliefs before the development of religious institutions

as we know them, there were different ways in which

societies understood and approached

the concepts of right and wrong.

- Totally.

And while it's true that people have always

had a sense of ethics and social responsibility,

the idea of a singular objective standard of right

and wrong didn't always exist.

- Blame the church?

- What I'm saying is that there's no inherent good

or bad, I'm suggesting that our perception

of these concepts are fluid and subjective.

Depending on the personal and cultural lenses through

which you view the world.

The challenge lies in recognizing

and appreciating its diversity of perspectives

and finding ways to coexist harmoniously

even when our values and beliefs differ.

- Exactly.

Our judgements are shaped by our own personal experiences

and the values we've been taught.

So when we label something as good or bad,

we're often projecting our own beliefs

and expectations onto the situation instead

of just observing it as it is.

- Yeah, I am as I am.

- No, no, no, no.

But what about murderers, okay?

Are you saying they're not bad people?

How can you not judge something

so evil when it causes so much suffering?

- Dave, let me give you a different perspective.

When a lion kills a goat for dinner,

we don't consider the lion evil or a murderer.

We understand that it's just a lion being a lion.

It's just part of the natural order.

And the lion is simply following its instincts to survive.

It simply is what it is.

- But murderers as in people?

- I'm not condoning monstrous acts committed by people.

But my point is that merely labeling someone as bad

or evil doesn't solve the problem.

Or help us understand the underlying

issues that drive such behavior.

We must examine the complex factors

and circumstances that contribute to those actions.

In doing so, we can work towards addressing the root causes

and creating a more empathetic

and compassionate society rather than merely labeling

and condemning individuals based on

our own subjective moral judgments.

- So with that line of thinking,

even something like pornography could

be considered a construct, right?

I mean, it's really only considered bad or taboo

because of the way society perceives it.

- I think that's a stretch.

- Actually, Michael has a point.

Just like our moral judgments, our perception of

what constitutes pornography is shaped by cultural

and societal values.

If you look at nature and the animal kingdom,

mating and reproduction of just natural parts of life.

There's no shame

or taboo attached to these acts in the wild.

- Agreed.

If two birds are having sex on a branch

and another bird sees, that bird's not gonna be like,

oh my God, how offensive, get a room.

- [Marco] Yes. - At least, I don't think.

- Yes, in a way, what we label

as pornography could also be seen as a construct created

by human judgment and societal norms.

It doesn't mean we should completely disregard any negative

aspects associated with it,

but it's essential that we recognize that our perception

of it is highly influenced

by the way through which we view the world.

- What might be considered inappropriate

or offensive in one culture could be entirely

accepted in another.

- And during the Renaissance works about the depicted nudity

or sensual themes such as Botticelli's

"The Birth of Venus" or Michelangelo's "David,"

were often criticized and censored.

Today we see these masterpieces as timeless expressions

of human beauty and creativity.

So, now you see, the concept of what is pornographic

or taboo changes across cultures and throughout history.

These variations further support the idea

that our judgments are merely construct shaped

by cultural values and beliefs rather than absolute truths.

- Yeah, I remember when I was a kid, even the slightest hint

of nudity on TV would cause an uproar

where now there's like full on sex

in several major TV shows

and it's considered completely normal.

- And even artistic.

- Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

Like the rimming scene in White Lotus.

- Dave. - [Dave] That was artistic.

- Well, it just goes to show that our perceptions

and standards change over time.

- It's fascinating.

- Exactly, my friends.

When we, as a species, can finally eliminate judgment

from our beings, we'll have come a long way.

It's about embracing the ever-changing nature

of our understanding and allowing ourselves to grow

and evolve without being constrained by

outdated concepts of what is right and wrong.

Only then can we truly appreciate the full spectrum

of human experiences

and the beautiful complexity of life itself.

(water sloshing)

(playful upbeat music)

The best things in life are usually illegal,

immoral of fat.

- Some people are all three, you know?

- And some people are all three.

- What did Cinderella say when she got to the ball?

- I don't know.

(Michael grunts)

What is that?

- You don't get it?

- Uh...

(Michael grunts)

- You still don't get it.

- Is she giving a blowjob to somebody?

- Yes, she's balls deep. You get it?

She went to the ball.

- She wasn't balls deep when she

went to the ball. - She went to the ball.

- Oh, the ball. - Balls deep.

- I get it.

- Okay, you don't like my jokes.

- No, no, it's great.

It was a good joke.

(Michael laughs)

(upbeat music continues)

- Was it a bird? - A bird.

(Michael coos)

- Oh look, there it is again.

- Fluttering away.

- Must be a desperate bird.

A desperate twink bird.

- What do you think it would be like to be a bird?

- Oh, I would love to be a bird.

Is this sexual?

(Michael hums)

It's pretty good.

- Is it? - Yeah.

- Okay, so if I do it like...

Not sexual?

- How you do it is sexual.

- A heart with our legs.

- Yes. - Ah, I like that.

- You have a big foot as well.

- Thank you.

- Is it fine?

(upbeat music continues)

- I can't believe it's my last day in Venice.

Yeah, I'm really gonna miss it here.

- Oh, shocking.

- I know. - Yeah.

Well, luckily I still have a few days to explore

and ooh, soak up all the Venetian charm I can.

Oh, that reminds me.

Michael, I can't help but wonder, is Marco a good kisser?

- Uh, actually we haven't even made out yet.

- What, really?

You?

- Yeah, I would've thought you guys

would've gotten each other pregnant by now.

- You know, guys, as much as I do appreciate the slow pace

and the buildup, yeah, I admit that

it's driving me a bit crazy.

What if he isn't attracted to me?

- Oh, sweetie, I highly doubt that's the case.

I've seen the way he looks at you, it makes me horny.

- [Dave] She's right.

- [Liza] There's definitely a genuine chemistry there.

- She's definitely right.

Don't overthink it, Mikey, okay?

Just enjoy the ride and let things happen naturally.

Or you can confront him and be open

and honest about how you feel.

It's not like you live here and time is limited.

- What do you have to lose?

- [Dr. Gika] It's natural to be vulnerable.

- I know, but with Marco, it's just so different.

We've been taking things slow

and I actually kind of appreciate that,

but I just don't know where we stand.

I mean, what if he doesn't feel the same way about me?

- Be honest, be open, share your feelings.

Ask him about his thoughts, about his intentions.

- You're right, I do, I need to talk to him, I just...

Dr. Gika, I don't want to scare him away

or come across as too needy.

- [Dr. Gika] Just be honest and open with him.

- Okay.

- [Dr. Gika] You know, connect with your inner voice.

- Yeah, I will.

- [Dr. Gika] I'm very proud of you, Michael.

You're doing great progress.

(boat engine rumbling) (water sloshing)

- Marco?

- [Marco] Uh huh?

- I've been thinking a lot about us

and there's something I want to talk to you about.

- Of course. what is it?

- I'm really enjoying our time together

and the slow buildup of our relationship has been intense

and so exciting, but look, I, I need to admit to you

that it's driving me crazy.

I'm finding myself second guessing whether you are actually

even attracted to me or if you just see me as a friend.

- Michael.

I want you to know that I, I'm genuinely attracted to you

and I care for you deeply.

But I...

I appreciate that my pace might not be what you're used to

and I apologize if that has caused you any inconvenience,

any frustration.

- Thank you.

- You're welcome.

I've always believed that taking things slow

can create a stronger, more meaningful bond.

But I also appreciate that everyone's needs

and desires are different.

- Marco, I understand your perspective on

taking things slow, I do,

but I have to remind you that I don't live here

and I am going back to the US next week.

We met on a hookup app and,

and I'm thrilled that our connection has become

so much more meaningful,

but I don't want to leave Venice with any regrets.

- I hear you.

- Good.

So, if we are going to fool around,

let's get this show on the road.

What do you say?

- I think you're ready.

(feet thudding)

(door thuds)

(lips smacking)

Wait.

(Marco hums)

Now we'll have sex.

But what I'd like you to do is focus on each

of the five senses while we are.

One sense at a time.

First, focus on everything you can hear.

Really listen to everything you can.

This will help you.

(ominous music)

Allow your ears to swim into my body.

Hear my heartbeat, hear yours.

Tell me, what else do you hear?

- [Michael] I hear my voice.

The sounds of my breath and your heart.

I'm so hard.

Throbbing.

- [Marco] What do you hear when I do this?

(Michael moans)

Yes, that's right.

I hear you, too, surprised and wanting.

I like the way you sound when I touch you.

Focus on hearing despite what I'm doing down here.

Listen to the sounds outside.

Hear the seagulls.

Yes, and the bells.

Listen to the sounds my tongue makes

as it glides along the length of your cock.

(Michael breathes heavily) (Marco groans)

- [Michael] Oh my god, oh my god.

(saliva smacking)

- [Marco] Allow yourself to be swept away

by the cosmic orchestra

that plays the soundtrack of the universe.

As you listen, begin to let go of your limitations,

your fears, and your past experiences.

Open your mind to the possibilities of a new way

of thinking, a fresh perspective

that transcends the boundaries

of your previous understandings.

Embrace the sounds and vibrations that echo within you.

Unlock the hidden chambers of your mind.

That's right.

(Michael moans)

Now, get ready to step into a world

of boundless possibilities

as you embrace this new found awareness.

Prepare to embark on a journey of transformation

that will forever change the course of your life.

(Michael continues moaning)

Are you ready?

- [Michael] Yes.

(no audio)

- Now feel.

Feel everything.

(tense music)

Let your awareness expand.

Feel the texture of my skin on your fingertips,

the liquidity and the harness of my cock

as it brushes against your skin.

(Marco speaking foreign language)

Allow yourself to connect with the energy

that courses through your body.

And feel it resonating with the energy

that exists within your eyes.

(Marco speaking foreign language)

Let me inside you.

Feel me sliding into you.

Embrace not only the sensations of contact,

but also the emotions that flow from within.

The love and vulnerability.

The joy and passion.

Let your heart open up to the others

as we dive into the depth of our feelings,

discovering the infinite well of feelings

that make us who we are.

(Marco speaking foreign language)

- Oh my god.

(tense instrumental music)

- [Marco] Feel it, sense it.

(Marco speaking foreign language)

Each sensation.

(both moaning)

Lift your focus to everything you can taste.

- (moans) Salty.

- [Marco] Tell me, what do you smell?

(both moaning)

- You're spicy, you're fresh.

You smell like a campfire.

Like we're out in the woods.

- Take your time, we're not rushing towards anything.

We're here together.

Go ahead, take me in.

(both moaning)

(dramatic instrumental music)

(both moaning)

(both breathing heavily)

Good talk.

- Do you want the vino?

(dog barks)

(water sloshing)

(both speaking foreign language)

(glass clinking)

I will see you tomorrow.

Meet me at my place.

- Of course.

- So, what happened?

- It was intense.

I suddenly felt self-conscious or somehow exposed.

I don't know, I, it's like he was looking right through me.

I felt transparent, like he could see into my heart.

What I felt, what I thought.

It was wonderful, but nerve wracking.

- How did it feel?

- I was desperate for it.

I really was.

My ex never accepted or showed any interest in me.

With Bernie, it had been all business, you know?

Just cold and surface.

Nothing sensual or kind,

and I feel like Marco could see that.

Like he could see me.

You know, I actually started wondering,

is the cliche about Europeans being great lovers true?

Am I just like living in a dream?

- So what do you think?

- It occurred to me that the entire time I was with my ex,

I had really externalized my senses.

All of them.

My internal feelings and experiences

had just taken the back burner.

- So what changed?

- Last night woke me up.

My spirit and my soul returned to my body.

(Liza giggles)

My senses like flooded back inside me

with this spectacular roar.

You know what?

It felt like the first time

that I've had sex in my entire life.

Because everything was so new and so profound.

There was also something else I noticed.

- What?

- Marco's place is so nice,

there has to be more to his story.

(Liza hums)

- [Dr. Gika] Sounds like what you experienced last night

is what I call conscious sex.

- Yes, that's exactly right.

Conscious sex.

- [Dr. Gika] Conscious sex is a powerful

and transformative approach to intimacy.

It goes beyond just physical connection.

When we engage in conscious sex,

we are fully present in the moment.

Connecting our minds, our bodies

and spirits with our partner.

You'll find that it has the power

to transform not only your relationship with the world

around you, but your relationship with yourself.

(water sloshes)

- [Michael] Marco.

- Now, today, what I'd like you to do,

let's focus on your actions, focus on what you're doing

and how you're doing it

and how it's affecting my senses.

You can imagine, but you won't know for sure.

Explore those things one by one.

Find out.

Investigate.

(gentle instrumental music)

(both moaning)

(frantic instrumental music)

(both breathing heavily)

How many colors do you see in my eyes?

- Green, gold,

yellow, orange.

Green.

- You said green already.

- Being present and consciously aware of everything

I was doing, it was like stepping into a world of magic.

And it wasn't just about me and my desires.

It was about us together

as two people fully engaged in the moment.

And the more I focused on you,

the more incredible the experience became for me in return.

- Very good.

Meet me again tomorrow.

(Michael exhales)

(gentle music)

- It was unlike anything I've ever felt before.

We shared a connection that was like so much deeper.

It was transformative.

- Oh, do tell.

- It was like time stopped

and we were in our own little world together

just the two of us.

You know, it was an experience beyond pleasure,

it was exploring his existence, his soul,

and just being in tune with him.

- Amazing.

- Yeah, it really is.

You know, I feel like a different person now.

Like reborn, like I've discovered a part of myself

that I didn't even know existed.

It's such an incredible feeling.

- I'm so happy for you, Michael.

You truly deserve this.

(gentle music continues)

(Liza speaking foreign language)

(boats rattling)

(boat engine rumbling)

- Now we will combine what we've learned

and experienced about each other.

We will meld.

There will be no barriers to where your senses end

and mine begin, only oneness.

We will combine our bodies

and all our senses at once,

all together at the same time.

(dramatic instrumental music)

(singer sings foreign language)

- One moment our souls seemed to merge

and I couldn't tell where I ended and you began,

or the other way around.

I felt the wholeness,

or the oneness you mentioned.

I've never experienced that before, Marco.

When I came,

my legs started shaking.

My heart and soul filled with this brilliant

white light.

My body became an explosion from a firework

shooting glittering sparks in all directions

like a supernova.

In that moment, I understood the universe.

(Marco speaking foreign language)

(light music) (gulls cawing)

(light music continues)

Marco.

(Michael speaking foreign language)

- Good morning.

Today, I'll teach you the most important lesson.

Each time you meet someone, whether it be a lover,

friend, colleague, neighbor,

or a person on the street, find something about them

that you can instantly love.

It doesn't have to be anything big.

It could be their little finger,

their laugh, or the way they walk.

It can be anything at all, so long as you can love it.

For me might be that little dimple I first

saw on the side of your smile.

Whatever it is, if you can invite love

and love's energy into your experience, no matter

what you do with that other person, no matter what you

create, what you work on or talk about,

share sexually or engage in professionally,

the process will flourish from that initial place.

With love, you will enhance the outcome of all

that you do no matter what.

(Marco speaking foreign language)

Michael, before we part ways, I just want

to give you something to remember our time together.

This acorn symbolizes planting good seeds in life.

Every moment we spend with those we love is a seed,

one that can grow into something beautiful

and lasting like a mighty oak.

I want you to remember to cherish every moment

no matter where life takes us.

- Thank you, Marco.

This means more to me than you can imagine.

- No matter what our journeys take us,

know that I love you, Michael.

I always will.

I want to remember to treasure every moment,

every connection, every heartbeat,

and live a life full of love and connection.

You deserve it.

- I love you too, Marco.

I don't even know what to say.

You've shown me a world that I never thought I would know

and I will always, I will always be grateful

for our time together.

- You will always have a very special place in my heart.

(light music)

May we meet again in this life or another.

(light music continues)

(Marco speaking foreign language)

(light music continues)

(Michael sniffles)

(Michael cries)

(light music continues)

(birds chirping)

(zipper buzzing)

(Michael speaking foreign language)

(singer sings in foreign language)

(water sloshing)

(water continues sloshing)