A relatively graphic documentary about charismatic Italian swingers should probably elicit more than a tepid shrug, right?
But for all its telling — and showing — of sex, “Bloom Up” never really gets going until its final few minutes. And that late-stage twist occurs during the rare scene in which everyone is fully clothed.
The movie’s middle-aged protagonists, Betta and Hermes, couldn’t be more likable. They’re charming, eloquent, and appear to be madly in love. Despite the fact that they’ve been together for years, they flirt happily while stocking shelves at the pet store they own, defer to each other respectfully in frank conversations for the camera, and share a sensitive dedication to their open marriage that seems to lack even a hint of defensiveness.