Three British teenage girls go on a rites-of-passage holiday - drinking, clubbing and hooking up, in what should be the best summer of their lives.Three British teenage girls go on a rites-of-passage holiday - drinking, clubbing and hooking up, in what should be the best summer of their lives.Three British teenage girls go on a rites-of-passage holiday - drinking, clubbing and hooking up, in what should be the best summer of their lives.
- Nominated for 3 BAFTA Awards
- 13 wins & 30 nominations total
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- Writer
- All cast & crew
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Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaMolly Manning Walker said the idea for the story came from a "formative memory" during a teenage holiday, when she saw a girl perform oral sex on a man on stage during a bar crawl. "I started writing from there. We spent a bit of time in Malia doing research. We really tried to... engage with real life and what was going on. And then we did some workshops where we talked to 16-year-olds and their concept of consent, and it was quite wild what came out of that."
- Crazy creditsThe cast appear in the end credits in order of appearance. However, Olivia Brady as "Voice of Tara's Mum" appears after the sound department credits.
- SoundtracksCame Here for Love
Written by Sigala (as Bruce Fielder), Ella Eyre (as Ella McMahon), Klingande (as Cédric Steinmyller), Bryn Christopher, and Scott Wild
Performed by Sigala and Ella Eyre
Featured review
Raw and unflinching
How to Have Sex (2023) is a long way away from a typical teen romp comedy. Director Molly Manning Walker throws a curveball with this deceptively titled film, instead opting for a raw and unflinching look at female friendship, consent, and the pressures of growing up. Three British teenagers, best friends since childhood, embark on a summer vacation to Greece, fueled by dreams of partying and romantic conquests. However, their idyllic plans take a dark turn, forcing them to confront complex issues that go beyond the awkwardness of teenage flirtation.
Walker, drawing inspiration from her own teenage experiences, paints a relatable portrait of female friendships. The bond between the three leads feels genuine, with their playful banter and unspoken understanding ringing true. Mia McKenna-Bruce shines as Tara, the sensitive and introspective centre of the group. However, the exploration of their dynamic falters slightly at times. The supporting characters, particularly Skye (Lara Peake), can feel one-dimensional, their motivations reduced to teenage posturing and insecurity.
The film's greatest strength lies in its handling of consent. Walker avoids graphic depictions, instead focusing on the emotional fallout and the lingering sense of violation. A pivotal scene at a nightclub is particularly powerful, using slow-motion camerawork and an unsettling soundscape to capture the confusion and fear Tara experiences. This isn't an after-school special; it's a nuanced exploration of consent that persists long after the credits have ended.
Technically, How to Have Sex is a solid effort. The cinematography is naturalistic, with handheld camerawork that reflects the carefree energy of the first half and the claustrophobic tension of the latter. The score is subtle yet effective, using atmospheric sounds and electronic flourishes to underscore the emotional beats. Editing is sharp, keeping the pace brisk without sacrificing character development.
While the film doesn't shy away from difficult themes, it's not relentlessly bleak. There are moments of humour and genuine connection, particularly between Tara and Em (Enva Lewis), the voice of reason in the group. This balance between humour and heartbreak is reminiscent of films like The Virgin Suicides or Booksmart, capturing the bittersweet cocktail of teenage emotions.
How to Have Sex isn't a perfect film. The characters, while well-acted, could be fleshed out further, and the ending feels a tad ambiguous. However, its unflinching portrayal of consent and its exploration of female friendship resonate deeply. This is a coming-of-age story that feels both authentic and important, a must-watch for anyone who remembers the complexities and anxieties of those teenage years. A thought-provoking and emotionally resonant film for mature teens and adults.
Walker, drawing inspiration from her own teenage experiences, paints a relatable portrait of female friendships. The bond between the three leads feels genuine, with their playful banter and unspoken understanding ringing true. Mia McKenna-Bruce shines as Tara, the sensitive and introspective centre of the group. However, the exploration of their dynamic falters slightly at times. The supporting characters, particularly Skye (Lara Peake), can feel one-dimensional, their motivations reduced to teenage posturing and insecurity.
The film's greatest strength lies in its handling of consent. Walker avoids graphic depictions, instead focusing on the emotional fallout and the lingering sense of violation. A pivotal scene at a nightclub is particularly powerful, using slow-motion camerawork and an unsettling soundscape to capture the confusion and fear Tara experiences. This isn't an after-school special; it's a nuanced exploration of consent that persists long after the credits have ended.
Technically, How to Have Sex is a solid effort. The cinematography is naturalistic, with handheld camerawork that reflects the carefree energy of the first half and the claustrophobic tension of the latter. The score is subtle yet effective, using atmospheric sounds and electronic flourishes to underscore the emotional beats. Editing is sharp, keeping the pace brisk without sacrificing character development.
While the film doesn't shy away from difficult themes, it's not relentlessly bleak. There are moments of humour and genuine connection, particularly between Tara and Em (Enva Lewis), the voice of reason in the group. This balance between humour and heartbreak is reminiscent of films like The Virgin Suicides or Booksmart, capturing the bittersweet cocktail of teenage emotions.
How to Have Sex isn't a perfect film. The characters, while well-acted, could be fleshed out further, and the ending feels a tad ambiguous. However, its unflinching portrayal of consent and its exploration of female friendship resonate deeply. This is a coming-of-age story that feels both authentic and important, a must-watch for anyone who remembers the complexities and anxieties of those teenage years. A thought-provoking and emotionally resonant film for mature teens and adults.
helpful•60
- steveinadelaide
- Mar 10, 2024
- How long is How to Have Sex?Powered by Alexa
Details
Box office
- Gross US & Canada
- $167,725
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $48,596
- Feb 4, 2024
- Gross worldwide
- $1,198,886
- Runtime1 hour 31 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1
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What was the official certification given to How to Have Sex (2023) in the United States?
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