Talk about an attention-grabbing title. Good news, though, director Gregg Araki’s new film has more intrigue than just a notable name.
The film stars Cooper Hoffman as Elliot, a recent college graduate who’s landed himself a job working for a successful, provocative artist. That artist is Erika (Olivia Wilde), a confident, forward and blunt woman who’s demanding of her staff. That especially becomes true when she enlists Elliot as her submissive sexual partner.
The two begin a relationship with a clear power dynamic at play. However, while Erika sees it as a loose relationship serving a purpose, Elliot, who’s more naïve, wants to believe something more exists. As they continue their relationship, Elliot’s life begins unraveling until the entire situation becomes chaotic.
Araki’s film, which he co-wrote with Karley Sciortino, is a funny, intriguing and surreal exploration of how different generations view sex, and the complicated feelings and relationships that can surround it. The movie, a colorful, vibrant one with a loose and fun vibe, does so with exceptional wit.
Many of the scenes are playful, with an almost whimsical nature, playing into the surrealness and visual storytelling. It’s a very creative take. That’s not to say nothing is serious or there are no stakes, though. The audience learns early on that there is a major mystery at play in terms of what occurred on a fateful night.
Additionally, there’s an ever-present undercurrent regarding how both main characters approach their relationship. It adds layers of interest to what’s unfolding on screen, with a viewer wondering how things will play out, while considering the dynamics of intimacy in relation to the human condition.
The issue with the movie is how the final act goes. That doesn’t mean it’s bad. Moreso, just that the first two acts are so strong, that it’s disappointing the flick doesn’t quite stick the landing as well as one would hope. There’s a sense some themes and character development could have been expanded on with more time added to the experience.
The film is definitely boosted, though, thanks to the work of its cast. Hoffman, known for his work in “Licorice Pizza,” “Saturday Night” and “The Long Walk,” is quite good in the movie portraying a naïve young man seeking both a sexual relationship and emotional connection with a partner. Hoffman is solid, and the film compliments his performance with some creative, funny visuals.
Wilde, meanwhile, is superb. She is spot on as the girl boss who takes on the world with tenacity and self-awareness. Erika is a person who also always has something up her sleeve, and Wilde plays that very well, really selling the smart dialogue written for the character.
However, it has to be noted that supporting cast members nearly steal the show at times. Mason Gooding who plays Elliot’s co-worker Zap, and Chase Sui Wonders who portrays his roommate and best friend Apple, are fantastic, especially in the comedic moments. The cast is well rounded, too, thanks to Charli XCX, Margaret Cho and Johnny Knoxville.
While not quite laugh out loud funny and featuring a final act not on par with the first two, “I Want Your Sex” does succeed as a dramatic comedy. It’s a smart take on sex and the emotions that revolve around it, with some thoughtful commentary directed at modern art and Gen Z. Despite a couple hiccups, it mostly succeeds. 4 out of 5.
Photo courtesy Magnolia Pictures
