User reviews

This impressively naturalistic and quietly devastating exploration of consent focuses on sixteen-year-old Tara as she takes a trip to Malia with her best friends, the envy-prone Skye and the empathetic Em, to celebrate the completion of her exams - and, perhaps, to distract her from the anxiety surrounding her soon-to-be-released grades - by drinking, clubbing and maybe, just maybe, hooking up with some strangers. The trip holds extra importance for her, as she's the last of her friends to still be a virgin and feels the need to rectify this before she returns back home (largely due to societal pressure pushed by her peers - or, rather, one in particular). Strikingly realistic in its every aspect, the picture plays out like an authentic coming-of-age slice of life and keenly cuts to the core of a feeling all too familiar with so many of us, particularly women. While it does generally have a fly-on-the-wall vibe, it also makes use of distinct cinematic techniques to draw you wholly into its hero's headspace. It's an intimate, often incredibly uncomfortable picture that has a lot to say and isn't afraid to say it. It doesn't so much start a conversation as it does make its point and let you chew on it; the ethics surrounding its central issues are pretty black and white, and they aren't intended to be debated so much as communicated. Indeed, 'How To Have Sex (2023)' actually has an implied 'Not' in the title. Whether it reflects someone's own experience and makes them feel seen or challenges someone's behaviour and (hopefully) makes them be better in the future, the film will likely resonate deeply with everyone in its audience. Its power grows the longer you have to sit with it, and its true brilliance is only really evident in retrospect. It's a powerful picture, for sure, arguably because of - not in spite of - its general subtlety. It's essential viewing for, well, pretty much everyone, really.

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.

We don't get enough films like 'How to Have Sex'. Perhaps because they are hard to promote and sell, but when they are done right they are so good that it shouldn't matter. I love the understated nature and the ultra-realism this film possessed. Everything just hits so much harder because of that.

The film has a terrific sense of dread. For a long time to begin with you are just watching these characters party and have fun. But you always know that something more sinister is just around the corner. You don't know what it is or where it's coming from exactly. You just know it's coming.

Something else I really liked about this one was that it has a lot of respect for its audience. It doesn't tell you everything. It lets you make up your own mind on what exactly a character is thinking/going through. There is some terrific acting that helps this. Often the camera will just remain on a character's face for an extended period of time and watch her go through a range of emotions when dealing with something. It was really interesting to watch.

I think film discussion groups would have a field-day with this film. There's a lot to break down and because nothing it really spelt out it leaves a lot to interpretation. This was a good one. 7/10.

One of the main things I disliked about this film was the title, not because of some misguided belief in the censoring of the word "sex", but because of the conversations that ensued, many times, after telling a friend about the astonishing film I had just seen at the cinema.

Besides that minor inconvenience, the film showcased a phenomenal range of talent in all aspects of the film. Molly Manning Walker shows off her modern and evocative cinematography to truly connect the audience with the characters. Walker also wrote the script which is equally brilliant and manages to capture the essence of youth in each of the characters. Not only that, but she also shows no hesitation in creating a realistic depiction of youth which is extremely difficult to find in films today. Walker has created a film which weaves the innocence of three young adults into a story of loneliness and despair that is strikingly relevant to the world today.

It is obvious that this film is deeply personal to not only Walker but also to the three actresses that played the main parts. A story with such tangible emotion cannot be written without a deeply personal idea at the core. The film will put you in the shoes of three young women and will tell you exactly how women feel today.

The performances of the three young adults was masterful. It was like they weren't even acting. The slow decline of Tara's outward personality to a lonelier and more isolated one is showcased brilliantly by Mia McKenna-Bruce. The comedy that flourished at the start of the film was perfected by the young women's ability to so accurately display the emotions that run through every person's head at that age.

Disturbing and hilarious this film left me in my seat a few minutes after it finished. Unlike any other film I have ever seen it will take you on a journey that you've already had before but always wanted to experience again, the journey of youth, and maybe you'll realize you actually, probably, and in most circumstances, do not want to experience that journey again.

Title: A Poignant Journey of Self-Discovery: "How to Have Sex"

"How to Have Sex" takes audiences on an intimate exploration of the lives of three British teenage girls as they embark on a rite-of-passage holiday filled with drinking, clubbing, and relationships. This coming-of-age film captures the essence of what should be the best summer of their lives, while delving into the complex and often difficult subject matters that young women encounter.

The movie's ability to tackle such hard-hitting themes in a very poignant manner makes it a standout piece. It fearlessly dives into the emotional struggles and personal challenges faced by the girls, creating a raw and authentic portrayal that resonates deeply with the audience. This authenticity, however, could make the film a tough watch for many women due to its triggering content.

The superb acting from the cast lends a natural and believable quality to the characters. Their performances add to the film's overall realism, allowing viewers to connect with the characters on a profound level. This authenticity brings a certain level of relatability, making their experiences all the more impactful.

In "How to Have Sex," the journey of self-discovery is portrayed with a great deal of realism. The film doesn't shy away from depicting the complexities of relationships, friendships, and personal growth that come with the territory of teenage life. This realism is both a strength and a potential challenge, as it might hit too close to home for some viewers.

Rating a movie like "How to Have Sex" is undoubtedly a challenging task. While the film's authenticity and exploration of hard subjects are commendable, its potential to be triggering for many women must also be taken into consideration. For those who can handle its deeply personal narrative, the superb acting and realistic portrayal will likely leave a lasting impression.

It's many decades since I was a teenager, and over 10 years since my own kids navigated that period for themselves, but if this really is representative of what it's like for the current generation (and I guess I have to believe it is, at least somewhat), then it's kind of sad, I think. I wish them well.

As a film, this takes its time to find a balance, IMHO, but the core characters come through pretty well by the end, although personally I found some of them seriously underwritten (e.g. The lesbian couple) and would have preferred them either silent or absent, or given more to do. However, this is a first-time filmmaker, so perhaps that's a bit harsh.

Don't expect a fun time.

I loved the movie.. As a woman who was a teenager once, I (and almost all of us) know these kind of uncomfortable situations whether they're small or more serious.. The movie's done a wonderful job reflecting Tara's emotions, how she felt and why she couldn't do more than she did.. The final may be dissapointing for some, I even wanted more but it's ok.. It's just like real life.. Mostly.. If I'd make a final with a couple of words, I'd say to the young girls&women if I may (which you already know) just say 'no'! Even if you're not sure of what you want, wait till the time you're %100 sure. Wait.. Say no.. Learn how to say 'NO' and overcome your shyness, talk to others, the shame part belongs to the other person, doesn't it?

I think any parent of a late-teenage child will be mortified at what goes on when three girls head off to Heraklion in search of sun, sea and sex. They arrive full of beans - determined too have a good time and to get laid. We quickly learn that "Tara" (Mia McKenna-Bruce) has yet to experience that, and she is keen to tick that particular event from her bucket list. Together with pals "Skye" (Lara Peake) and "Em" (Enva Lewis) they hook up with the folks whose balcony is next door. "Tara" takes a bit of a shine to tattooed, van driver, "Badger" (Shaun Thomas) who is there with his friends "Paddy" (Samuel Bottomley) and "Paige" (Laura Ambler). It's on their third night that the film stops being a video-diary of hedonistic behaviour as her friend "Badger" gets blown away by a poolside experience and she finds herself on her own, then on the beach with... What now ensues begin the elements that provides the crux of the point of the film. When is what we want not what we want, when does yes not really mean yes - or it means yes because you just want to get something over with, or yes because you are just curious, or yes because you are too stoked up to think anything through - and are in the arms of a charismatic person? This isn't a violent film in any graphic sense, but it does have quite an emotionally potent impact for a while as the very much on-form McKenna-Bruce juggles her outward, bouncy and lively persona, with a young woman who is still very much growing up - and vulnerable. I didn't love the last twenty minutes - they robbed the film of the much of the ambiguity that hitherto had made it poignant and a talking point. At this point the behaviour becomes just plain wrong and odious - before they all head home. This is a story about a girl, but it could just as easily be about a boy - under self and peer imposed pressures to perform/conform unaware of the longer-term consequences of sand getting everywhere. Snag for me is that the film is just too much of a fly-on-the-wall documentary for the most part. We have to wait too long before the story starts to make it's point effectively, and then I think it rather rushes and compromises the message. It's still worth a watch, though - and McKenna-Bruce is very confident and impressive.

I was curious about this film as many people seemed angry about the trailer that this seemed to be a female inbetweeners kinda film but went extremely dark, I watched it last night and can't help but feel torn on it.

Whilst it felt really natural almost like a documentary on itv2 the characters were slightly on the harder to like side to start but you warm to them especially Tara, who seems genuinely young and immature.

The two incidents of attacks, were believable and natural rather than an aggressive style you'd see in darker films, it was clever to do it that way, to show that there are levels to it.

Whilst I hate how many people volunteer to get into states where they lack control with alcohol it is part of society, but I'm still amazed when smoking gets so much attention, drinking which causes more crime/damage/death gets little attention.

What ruined it from being an important film was the ending, where a quick chat seemed to undo it's impact on her, personally think it should've ended on a sad note as potentially these incidents are life ruining. So think whilst idea was good, it chickened out of following through.

The movie is about a young girl spending the holiday abroad with her friends where she is hoping to explore more about herself. Here she discovers many aspects of life's brutality involving loneliness, the sexual chase, unfulfilled emotional expectations. It is an indie looking movie you would expect to come out every year, every year another young talent, another aspiring director armed with nothing but the truth.

A bland truth lacking any sort of creativity, out of the box thinking, just proud to be depicting teenagers being vulnerable. Problem with that is when your premise is that simple and out in the open you need good actors, good writing and complexity. This movie has none of that, the female main role is convincing enough as the uninteresting naive youngster driven by impulse, but that is not hard to pull off. The sidecast is even less interesting with even less dialogue to work with. You just never get to know anyone, there is a severe lack of dialogue and exposition. It is a boring dud.

It is an incredibly old story refreshed and brought up to date. A polished indie film with not a hair out of place or a camera angle that jars. More amazing is that, by the end, the viewer realizes that the entire movie was a showcase for Mia McKenna-Bruce who, as the cliche goes, had begun delivering entire scenes using only her eyes. By the end of film, she does something equally amazing, she unleashes her natural beauty to express silent rage in a way that suggests she was deliberately masking it earlier, an effect which makes the end result even more remarkable. ((Designated "IMDb Top Reviewer." Please check out my list "167+ Nearly-Perfect Movies (with the occasional Anime or TV miniseries) you can/should see again and again (1932 to the present))

Just from reading the short synopsis, I was expecting to watch a lighthearted comedy sharing the DNA of films like "Superbad" or "Booksmart," but this was something completely different.

The movie distinguishes itself by doing its best to depict reality accurately - from the dialogue to the character interactions to the pandemonic party scenarios that unexplainably attract young people nowadays. And although it doesn't introduce anything new or groundbreaking, the film still manages to leave a lasting impact, carrying an important message primarily due to its diverse themes.

As we follow our protagonist, high school senior Tara, and her "best friends" to a holiday retreat in Greece on a mission to potentially meet a guy and lose her virginity, themes of friendship, self-discovery, vulnerability, and toxic masculinity are all revealed throughout the story.

Not much can be said other than that the film effectively captures the downfall of today's society and its youth - the lack of chivalry and respect from men, the absence of self-love and self-respect from women, jealousy from those close to you, and the constant pressure put on by others for you to fit in.

It's all very real. Mia McKenna-Bruce's excellent performance makes us forget we are watching fiction. Through her character, we can closely observe how easily today's society can quickly and aggressively strip away your innocence and turn its back on you.

This is definitely an important watch for everyone, reminding that you are never to be forced into anything against your will and not to be afraid to speak out.

The first half hour is rather a torture, Springbreakers without a sharp S. Watching almost entirely unsympathetic characters partying unsavourily, well. But then it does get interesting, or rather exciting, concerning the only likeable person (and the only at least mediocre actress). A script trick then? Well, maybe I'm reading too much into it, unfortunately the suspense only lasts a quarter of an hour. Not that kind of film after all. But what then? The question marks certainly keep you on the edge of your seat. Another dramatic element only flares up briefly. And yet another is the final chord and rounds off the film to some extent. The overall concept is relatively coherent and not a bad film experience, one about toxic characters, parallel worlds, real feelings, a superficial waste of time, you only live once, but you only live once. After two or three years of enforced diversity, we can slowly draw a small interim conclusion. The numerous female filmmakers who have suddenly come out of nowhere have undoubtedly enriched the cinematic world, even if only by producing a plethora of mediocre films.

Not sure how I feel about this movie, however the title doesn't do it justice.

I didn't really like the characters in the beginning, but as I kept watching I started to like Tara. Soon I got invested in their story and I had this feeling that, during all that partying, something really bad was gonna happen. And it wasn't quite like that... I mean, I'm not saying what happened was not bad. But all that built-up tension was making me expect something even worse.

It was sad to see a girl transform from her bubbly and cheerful version to a lost, confused and isolated version, without trying to lean on her girl friends for support (or at least Em, since the other one didn't really seem to be a good friend, more like one who's jealous and tries to make you fail or embarrass yourself).

Some scenes in the last part of the movie were a bit too long and unnecessary, since the tone was already set by then.

Cheers to the actress playing Tara, did a good job of portraying innocence with her beautiful eyes.

We all wish that young girls would have the courage to say No when needed, but let's admit that's pretty hard at that age, especially in an entourage like that and in situations they've never been in before.

Key takeaway: you may have a less than ideal sexual experience if you have drunken spring break sex with guys you don't know and won't see again. I hope that isn't a spoiler for readers, but if it is then you'll find this movie to be deep and insightful. Secondly, the title of this movie is misleading, as there is only about 1 minute of sex in the entire movie. What about the other 89 minutes you ask? Drinking, getting dressed up, dancing, smoking, more drinking, meaningless dialogue, passing out, hangover, repeat. You know, normal spring break stuff. The guy's mumble all their lines like they might actually be drunk, and the girls are shrill, loud and generally annoying. I paused the movie to recheck the reviews because I couldn't believe anyone would rate this higher than a 2.

Its not a comedy and not a romantic film about sex. What it is, is a sneak peak to a life of young people that just want to have a lot of fun and about how they might lose themselves for different definition of fun. Where does the fine line between consent and discontent goes through? No one can actually determine, but this movie is really trying its best to figure it out.

The main character of this movie is a young teenager that haven't had sex, yet, and she intends of doing it, while she is on a vacation with two of her best friends. One of the friends is giving her hard time, about her virginity and kind of pushing her to a place that she might not want to be in, just for the sake of saying what she did or didn't do.

And with this background and with a soundtrack full of party music on high volume the distress of this young woman is almost shouting to the rooftops. There are marvelous scenes, that are tailormade for each and every situation and are so detached from the actual situation that is running in parallel.

It is definitely not a romantic experience of loosing virginity, but an actual experience that can go either way and could be interoperated to each and every side of the participants in different ways - and Molly Manning Walker would like to emphasis this fact. The men are not presented as bad, the girls are not presented as pure - they are all young, Horny and aim to make mistakes.

The consequences are those who count for something. And for each side of the participants it is something different, as for viewer's angle. It's a short film, but one that makes impact and won a lot of prizes, by taking a stand and saying that though a lot of movements came and developed, nothing isn't categorized, still, in bright colors, in those areas, for both sides to agree on.

Definitely need closed captioning cuz you can't understand what they're saying through the entire movie. I just didn't get the whole movie at all. Really could care a little less about any of the characters are all getting what they deserve just not for me I guess kids are so spoiled nowadays I couldn't relate to any of them. Definitely for under 30 something people that don't have anything better to do with their time you can watch this and enjoy it I guess I thought it was going to be something really special but it turned out to be really nothing about nothing give it a go if you want just not for me.

Giving this an 6/10 rating

Was expecting much from this, giving how much noise was made on this film during it's run at film festivals, very disappointed by this character study drama

Mia McKenna-Bruce plays one of three teenage girls on a mad holiday trip to Spain for clubbing, drugs and sex. But for her it goes downhill. Not the best holiday ever, by any means,.

If holiday is getting drunk, mad dancing, being sick, and very poor sex, then this is for you and a waning for what to expect if you go to these places and do these things, which is the message in this film, and it drives it home. The actors, Mia McKenna-Bruce, Lara Peake and Anna Antoniades, perfectly play the hapless party girls, Shaun Thomas plays the level headed of sorts guy in the picture, Finlay Vane Last, his boy, clearly is something else. All are excellent, and you can't miss their performances, which carry this film.