Molly Manning Walker’s “How to Have Sex” is a powerful and unsettling debut film that explores the complexities of teenage experiences, consent, and trauma during a summer holiday in Greece.
A Summer Trip Takes a Dark Turn
Director Molly Manning Walker brings a vibrant yet foreboding energy to her first feature film, “How to Have Sex.” The story follows three British teenage girls on what’s meant to be their last carefree summer trip before adulthood beckons.
What begins as a seemingly typical coming-of-age journey soon veers into a darker territory. The film centers on Tara, the most outgoing of the trio, whose pursuit of “hooking up” leads to a deeply distressing experience.
Mia McKenna Bruce’s Standout Performance
Mia McKenna Bruce delivers a truly star-making performance as Tara. Her character is fixated on the idea of casual encounters and endless partying, eager to embrace the perceived freedoms of her last summer of youth.
The narrative cleverly plays with audience expectations. While an initial encounter with a character named “Badger” seems to signal a clear danger, the film subtly shifts focus, highlighting how perceived “harmless” situations can also lead to profound hurt. We experience the unfolding events largely through Tara’s vulnerable perspective, drawing us into her world.
Unpacking Consent in the Teenage Years
“How to Have Sex” tackles the often-misunderstood concept of consent with remarkable clarity. It argues that consent isn’t complicated; rather, those who seek to violate it are the ones who complicate it.
The film delves into the particular challenges faced by teenagers. They are still developing their sense of self, learning the difference between right and wrong, and often lack the vocabulary or confidence to assert their boundaries. This vulnerability makes them susceptible to societal pressures and potentially harmful situations.
Beyond Traditional Teen Comedies
The movie is a stark critique of the “rites of passage” often glorified in youth culture, particularly the idea of summer “sexcapades.” It forces viewers to reconsider the carefree narratives of many past teen films, which, perhaps unintentionally, downplayed or ignored the serious implications of certain behaviors.
“How to Have Sex” doesn’t just question the actions of offenders; it exposes the wider “culture of silence” that often enables and protects them. By subverting familiar teen movie tropes, it delivers a powerful message about patriarchy, gender dynamics, and the often-unspoken realities of the teenage experience.
A Vital Companion Piece
This film serves as a potent and disturbing companion to Netflix’s acclaimed series “Adolescence.” While “Adolescence” explored its themes broadly, “How to Have Sex” offers a focused, intimate look at the victim’s perspective, providing a crucial and often overlooked viewpoint within this genre.
- The film is a raw and realistic portrayal of teenage sexual encounters and the vital topic of consent.
- Mia McKenna Bruce’s performance as Tara is a standout, capturing the character’s vulnerability and determination.
- It offers a strong critique of problematic cultural norms and outdated teen movie tropes.
- It provides a necessary counter-narrative to similar stories, focusing intensely on the victim’s experience.
With its unflinching honesty and powerful performances, “How to Have Sex” is an essential watch that resonates long after the credits roll.
