Expectations is a hardcore sex drama directed by renowned porn filmmaker Anthony Spinelli — then still using other stage names, in this case Arvid Beller.

The film follows the life of two women: Margo (played by the very good yet virtually unknown Delania Raffino), a depressed and recently divorced socialite in desperate need of excitement; and Montana (Chris Cassidy in her first starring role), a cool free-loving girl with a propensity for breaking any kind of social taboo and fully embracing her sexual impulses.

Through an ad in the paper, the two women got in touch and decided to switch lives — literally, names, apartments, driver’s licenses, etc. Margo found all the men in her life to be the same: “Tall, dark and boring.” Montana, on the other hand, was very carefree about her escapades and kicks. Margo was going to get to experience a completely new approach, while Montana… well, she probably thought the whole thing was kind of fun.

The prudish — and significantly hairy! — Margo feels very out of place at Montana’s cool-looking apartment. Montana seems to be digging Margo’s upscale lifestyle.

Montana also notices that Margo’s life could use some spice and new experiences, so she arranges for lovers — male and female — to pay her visits. Going against the rules would stop the whole thing, so she is confident she’ll go along with it. After a few uncertain seconds every time, Margo always ends up being game with everything.

In a hot scene with Margo’s brother, Montana (as Margo) manages to not only seduce the guy but also awaken the incestuous dreams he has about his own sister. While he seems extremely defensive at first, once “Margo” starts sucking his cock, he embraces the incest fantasy rather quickly.

Raffino’s acting skills are very underrated, as she portrayed the uptight Margo very naturally, and her scenes were as passionate and intense as anyone’s. Cassidy is not a particularly good actress, but her talents for porn are undeniable.

The soundtrack is pretty good. Mostly jazzy grooves with some psych-inspired moments, distorted electric pianos and flanged drums. It fits with the film’s mood smoothly.

Maybe the premise is a bit hard to believe, as it raises more than one big question, but it’s really more about the fantasy. Everyone has wondered what it’d be like to live their lives as somebody else, and that resonates, especially when it comes to people’s sexual desires and the freeing possibilities of getting out of their comfort zone and approaching sex as a whole new person that wouldn’t necessarily follow the same instincts they would in their everyday life.

The title refers to what each woman expected from the experience, in a “be careful what you wish for” kind of way, which perhaps could have been explored more. Having said that, it’s an interesting enough drama that is pretty much composed of few, but extended, sex scenes; all of them well shot, intense and believable (even if the story isn’t as much). A solid mid-70s adult feature.