Entering the realm of Molly Manning Walker’s directorial debut, I found myself propelled by high expectations fueled by the film’s acclaim at festivals and endorsements from my peers. Fortunately, I’m experienced enough to take early reactions to movies like this with a grain of salt, so even though I was indeed excited, I knew it could have been easily overhyped. The title, How to Have Sex, is provocative and direct, adding an intriguing layer of uncertainty to my anticipation. Would the film literally follow the idea of its explicit name, or was this a clever play on words hinting at a deeper thematic exploration?
I’m happy to report How to Have Sex is one of this year’s mandatory viewings. As three young girls go on a rites-of-passage holiday filled with partying and drinking, Walker masterfully tackles the complexities of consent, society’s complicity in rape culture, and the intricate web of adolescent struggles in this thought-provoking, layered narrative. Navigating the treacherous waters of a debut, the filmmaker weaves an impressively authentic story – according to Walker, it’s close to her own autobiography – that transcends the typical coming-of-age tale, diving into the sensitive yet crucial subject matters mentioned above, in addition to peer pressure, toxic friendships, and the allure of a party-driven mindset fueled by alcohol.
How To Have Sex Critique
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The cast, while strong overall, boasts a standout breakthrough performance from Mia McKenna-Bruce (Persuasion). Her portrayal of Tara is a revelation, showcasing an initially vivacious character ready to embrace life’s pleasures. With infectious laughter and an ever-present smile, McKenna-Bruce draws viewers into the character’s world. However, Tara undergoes a profound transformation after experiencing traumatic events, and the actress handles this shift with exceptional nuance, delivering an interpretation that is as heartbreaking as it is genuine.
Walker boldly approaches How to Have Sex‘s themes, and this is where some viewers may find themselves grappling with frustration. From a certain point onward, it becomes apparent that the movie refuses to follow the conventional trajectory expected of it. The audience is left waiting for pivotal conversations and revelatory discussions that never materialize. This deliberate decision, however, is precisely where the film’s brilliance lies.
In a social landscape often dominated by the unsaid and the unaddressed, How to Have Sex mirrors reality by avoiding explicit discussions of the traumatic events at their core. Walker’s rejection to delve into direct dialogue reflects society’s complicity in avoiding uncomfortable truths. As mentioned before, authenticity fills this movie to the brink, resisting the temptation to overdramatize its scenes and, in doing so, holding a mirror to the complicity we all (un)knowingly live with.
The thematic depth in this directorial debut is striking, to say the least, but some technical departments also highly contribute to this narrative complexity. The haunting sound mixing adds an additional layer of impact, creating a seamless blend of the cool, disco-like soundtrack with a tonal shift that alters the protagonist’s demeanor, posture, facial expressions, and overall comfort. The incorporation of sea waves, intimately connected to a pivotal beach scene, adds a meaningful, symbolic coating to the storytelling.
Despite its strengths, How to Have Sex does suffer from extreme predictability and especially its repetitive nature, particularly during the never-ending party sequences, which may be too overwhelming to go through, in addition to the dynamic, quick-cut editing. Also, the film’s connection with British audiences is definitely more profound due to cultural factors. While the underlying experiences are universal, the distinctly British elements might resonate more strongly with viewers who are familiar with the intricacies of the culture depicted.
Finally, I do believe How to Have Sex could have created some moments to address the less sensitive topics at hand, namely how lifelong friendships can very easily lead to an unhealthy, damaging trust in someone who may have changed along the way. It’s hard to acknowledge someone’s mistakes when that someone is our best friend, even if their acts are of the most despicable kind. A matter of balance between extreme commitment to thematic consistency and explicit narrative impact.
In Conclusion
How to Have Sex lives up to high expectations, offering a thought-provoking exploration of consent, societal complicity with rape, and adolescent struggles. Mia McKenna-Bruce’s breakthrough performance authentically captures the protagonist’s profound transformation as Molly Manning Walker boldly leaves pivotal conversations unspoken, mirroring society’s avoidance of uncomfortable truths. Technically impressive, the haunting sound mixing enhances the narrative complexity, seamlessly fitting the thematic atmosphere. An urgent call to viewers to reflect on their own behaviors or lack thereof.
7/10
