Cheeky

Trasgredire, also known as Cheeky, is a 2000 sex comedy directed by Tinto Brass, featuring Yuliya Mayarchuk in the main role. The film intertwines themes of love and betrayal, reflecting similar tones found in Brass's earlier work, Nerosubianco (1969), which is also set in London. The title itself plays on the Italian words for "to transgress" and "to betray."

The story unfolds in London, where the stunning Venetian intern, Carla Burin (played by Yuliya Mayarchuk), works at a hotel front desk. She is on the lookout for a new apartment so her boyfriend, Matteo (Jarno Berardi), can come join her. Moira (Francesca Nunzi), a bisexual real estate agent, rents out a loft to Carla, but under unusual "intimate conditions." The plot thickens when a jealous Matteo discovers a nude photo of Carla along with letters from her ex-boyfriend, Bernard (Mauro Lorenz). Following a heated argument over the phone, Carla, upset with Matteo, ends up sleeping with Moira. When Matteo arrives in London and stumbles upon the two, he confronts Carla about her past. A series of events leads to a turning point in their relationship, ultimately revealing the complexities of love and infidelity.

The production of Trasgredire was not without its challenges. Yuliya Mayarchuk later revealed that two particular scenes were especially difficult for her. One scene involved a gondola and required her to use a prop that led to a very emotional reaction. The other, a controversial anal sex scene on the beach, was equally challenging, leaving her sleepless the night before filming.

Upon its release, the film received mixed reviews. A retrospective piece in Sight & Sound labeled it as a "corny soft-porn flick," suggesting that its main appeal lies in the visual aspects rather than a strong narrative. The director, Tinto Brass, does not shy away from his intentions, describing the film as an opportunity to showcase "windows to the soul," referring to the physical appeal of the actors.

Trasgredire runs for 89 minutes and was produced with a budget of $2,100,000. It showcases a blend of humor and sensuality, typical of Italian sex comedies of its time. The film, primarily in Italian, adds a layer of cultural richness to its storyline, making it a noteworthy entry in the genre.