"They are removing the church from religious practice, the skin from sadomasochism and the school from schoolchildren. And they may be pointing the way to the future of human interaction.

Each of the subjects of Ann Shin's smart, deadpan new documentary Almost Real are immersed in Internet-driven communities. Included are a monk who leads prayer groups on the Web, a student who works with online tutors, and whip-and-chain-crossed lovers who share abuse and affection via their computers."