HOW TO HAVE SEX REVIEW

 *MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

For a lot of people, the teen years represents the most difficult period in someone’s life as they make that awkward transition from a child to becoming an adult. There have been several coming of age films that effectively capture that awkwardness, however, none more so than How To Have Sex, which explores important subjects such as sex and consent in a thought provoking way. 

The premise is simple as it focuses on three best friends, Tara (Mia McKenna-Bruce), Skye (Lara Peake) and Em (Enva Lewis) who, while anxiously waiting for their exam results, decide to go on a carefree holiday to Malia. Out of the three, Tara is the only teen who is still a virgin and hopes to finally have her first sexual encounter on the holiday. After meeting two guys, Badger (Shaun Thomas) and Paddy (Samuel Bottomley), the chances are promising, however, while Tara shares natural chemistry with the charming Badger, it’s Paddy who takes an interest in her. It’s clear from Tara’s body language that she’s uncomfortable with Paddy’s advances, however, he clearly doesn’t care and, before she knows it and can even prepare for the loss of her virginity, the moment is over. The scene itself isn’t shown but it’s obvious what has happened as Tara’s disappointed facial expression and uncomfortable body language express more than words ever could. What makes this even worse is that Paddy leaves her behind as he rushes to join his friends with Tara looking on. What was meant to be a special, life changing moment in Tara’s life is ruined by Paddy’s advances. There will, undoubtedly, be countless people who see themselves in Tara and can resonate with her experience, however, there will also be others who recognise themselves as Paddy in the situation and will think about their actions. That is what makes How To Have Sex such vital viewing especially for teenagers. While I personally can’t relate to Tara, I still felt extremely uncomfortable, especially as Paddy couldn’t continues to invade Tara’s personal space, even in one scene when she’s trying to sleep. A lot of men have complained that it’s “not all men” who are responsible for this kind of behaviour but, the truth is it’s still some men when it should be no men at all. All men should be treating women with respect and not forcing them to do stuff they want to do. While the film itself doesn’t exactly teach people “how to have sex” as that title suggests, it does succeed in teaching them the importance of consent. 

The strength of How To Have Sex lies in McKenna-Bruce’s impressive central performance as Tara. She is utterly convincing as a teenage desperately wanting to grow up but is clearly an outsider as she is yet to have the same experiences as her friends. Tara has a bubbly and likeable personality, however, that all changes following her encounter with Paddy. She tries her hardest to stay positive on the outside for her friends so she doesn’t ruin their holiday, however, it’s clear on the inside she’s struggling to process what has happened. The rest of the cast provide strong supporting roles, including Peake and Lewis as Tara’s friends, Skye and Em. The former is wild and fails to notice that something has happened to Tara and that she’s clearly uncomfortable, however, Em is the one who can sense that something isn’t right with Tara. Equally as impressive are Bottomley and Thomas as the lads who quickly take an interest in the three girls that have arrived at the hotel in the room opposite to theirs. Badger is caring towards Tara but struggles to stop his friend, Paddy, from his forceful behaviour towards Tara. Every single character feels authentic as that’s what teenagers are like, especially in this modern society that is obsessed with social media and getting the most likes, followers and views on the latest popular app. 

How To Have Sex represents an incredible directorial debut for filmmaker Molly Manning-Walker who effectively captures the realities and pressures of being a teenager. The first half of the film captures the chaotic energy of carefree holidays teenagers go on with the characters rarely seen without a drink and/or a cigarette in their hand. However, the tone changes and becomes more somber and serious as it focuses on Tara as she tries her hardest to enjoy her holiday. The final half is where the film is at its most thought provoking. Manning-Walker is clearly a skilful filmmaker who understands the importance of telling a story that explores the subject of consent from the perspective of a teen girl as they’re the ones who have mainly been affected. 

Since its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, where Manning Walker won the Un Certain Regard, How To Have Sex has been lauded by critics with most of the praise going towards McKenna Bruce’s central performance and the powerful and thought provoking story. It’s not hard to understand why it’s been received so well as it tells an important story that will, most likely, resonate with those who have had similar experiences.

8/10