How to Have Sex: LFF Film Review
Molly Manning Walker‘s directorial debut, How to Have Sex, has been on my radar since its premiere at Cannes and it was one of my most-anticipated titles at LFF. I am thrilled to report that it met my high expectations.
This movie follows Tara (Mia McKenna-Bruce), Skye (Lara Peake) and Em (Enva Lewis), three British teenagers who head to Malia for the classic rite-of-passage holiday. Their aim for the trip is to get wasted every night, dance until the sun rises, and for Tara to lose her virginity. They befriend the friends next door – Badger (Shaun Thomas), Paddy (Samuel Bottomley) and Paige (Laura Ambler) – for more raucous shenanigans.
How to Have Sex presents the most accurate depiction of a teen ‘Brits Abroad’ holiday I have ever seen (eat your heart out The Inbetweeners Movie). Their antics felt so familiar and took me right back to my girls’ holiday in Gran Canaria when I was 18. The clubs, the music, the female friendship, the cheesy chips – I couldn’t believe how spot-on the script, visuals and dance soundtrack were. It also made me remember why I only did it once – it’s a week of pure carnage!
While the portrait of the nightlife is stunningly realistic, I particularly related to its depiction of the ‘friendship’ between Tara and Skye. They are supposed to be ride-or-die best friends who care for and support each other but Skye constantly puts Tara down and makes her feel bad about herself. In fact, she’s not a good friend at all. Growing up, I imagine most girls had a friend like this and it resonated with me deeply seeing it on screen.
Naturally, given the title, the film also explores what sexual experiences should, or should not, look like. It takes a startling and uncomfortable look at rape and consent. Walker handles the subject sensitively but does not shy away from it. McKenna-Bruce is heartbreaking as Tara, who says everything she needs to with her face. I would have liked more dialogue about it but this is presumably more accurate.
How to Have Sex is an impressive debut from Walker – I can’t wait to see what she does next.
Seen at the London Film Festival. In cinemas on Friday 3rd November