Unlike typical erotic thrillers from the 1990s, this film attempts a more character-driven approach, giving Chloe internal monologues that question whether her choices are empowering or self-sabotaging. However, the execution is inconsistent: the dialogue leans heavily on melodramatic clichés (“You don’t want a mentor, Chloe. You want a master.”), and the plot twists are predictable.
Her mentor, – a charming, enigmatic senior executive with a mysterious past – takes a personal interest in her career. What begins as professional guidance quickly escalates into a torrid, clandestine affair. As the summer heat intensifies, Chloe discovers that Julian is entangled with two other women in the office: the jaded but magnetic art director, Sloane , and the icy, ambitious HR manager, Rebecca , who is also Julian’s ex-lover.
The lead actress (often listed under a stage name) delivers a committed, raw performance as Chloe, successfully conveying youthful naivety curdling into disillusionment. The male lead, Julian, is played with smoldering but one-note intensity – more archetype than person. Supporting actresses Sloane and Rebecca steal several scenes, hinting at a more interesting film about female rivalry and solidarity that never fully materializes. the intern – a summer of lust (2019)
However, the film has gained a small cult following on streaming platforms and among fans of “so-bad-it’s-good” erotic thrillers. Some praise its unapologetic embrace of B-movie tropes and its unintentionally hilarious dialogue (“My only risk is wanting you more than my career.”).
When Chloe uncovers evidence of corporate embezzlement tied to Julian’s private deals, the film pivots from pure sensuality to a tense thriller. She must decide whether to protect the man she’s falling for, expose the corruption and risk her career, or use the information to climb the corporate ladder herself. Unlike typical erotic thrillers from the 1990s, this
★½ (1.5/5) – “More lust than logic, and not enough of either to satisfy.”
The Intern – A Summer of Lust (2019) Genre: Erotic Drama / Romantic Thriller Director: (Often credited under a pseudonym or uncredited in standard releases; typically falls under the "adult drama" category for boutique digital distributors) Runtime: Approx. 80–90 minutes Her mentor, – a charming, enigmatic senior executive
Visually, the director employs a glossy, high-contrast aesthetic: sun-drenched balconies, cold blue office lighting, and sultry, shadow-filled hotel rooms. The score is a forgettable mix of breathy synth pads and generic bass drops, common to low-budget erotic dramas of the late 2010s.