Three teenage girls, Tara (Mia McKenna-Bruce), Em (Enva Lewis) & Skye (Lara Peake), are travelling on a holiday in Malia, Greece. The close friends hope to have a wild and fun time, spending their time being loud, drinking heavily, visiting various clubs, meeting new people, and randomly hooking up with whomever they may desire.
As they arrive at their hotel, the fun begins as they start meeting new faces, including a group that happens to be located right across from them in the same complex. We also soon learn while three best friends want to have sex, Tara is, in fact, a virgin and has never had sex before. She continually receives pressure and encouragement from her friends, particularly Skye, who enjoys bringing the topic up in front of others and mocking her. It’s evident that Skye feels now is the right time, more than ever, for Tara to make changes, especially while on holiday. Coping pressure about sex isn’t Tara’s only concern. Given her current age and the fact she is waiting for exam results, her future is in question. Nevertheless, the group of three continue to party and mingle. What begins as harmless fun; however, soon becomes something quite saddening, heartbreaking, and tragic.
How to Have Sex is a drama directed by Molly Manning Walker, who has previously worked on several short films in writing and cinematography. As a film, everything here looks and feels realistic, including the dialogue. Viewers will feel like they are watching everything unfold from the sidelines. While the dialogue in this movie does give obvious clues as to what will happen in the plot there is one surprising and profoundly moving aspect when everything unfolds.
[mailerlite_form form_id=1]The performances, like everything else on screen, feel genuine. Mia McKenna-Bruce’s character, Tara, is particularly impressive and carries a delightful presence. Although she claims to be interested in losing her virginity, we are shown the pressure and stress she is currently facing from all directions, making aspects of her life more complicated. As a parent, it’s impossible not to feel concerned for her and feel many moments with a heavy heart, not just for Tara but also for the poor choices and moments that should be fun and memorable. Instead, one mistake or choice has damaging and poisonous outcomes. I can imagine that some viewers will be significantly impacted and encouraged by this film. I appreciate that the film gives a raw and bold look into certain key issues without sugar-coating it.
Overall, this powerful film feels incredibly realistic with captivating performances. I appreciate how the film doesn’t shy away from its messages; it’s straightforward, impactful, and easy to understand. The movie portrays several significant moments in a person’s life that are meant to be beautiful and memorable. Instead, outcomes are damaging and poisonous. How to Have Sex will inspire and affect audiences, possibly in different ways depending on your background and past. Although the story may have some predictable moments, the film is still engaging and is guaranteed to leave you with a heaviness.
8.0/10
25th February 2024
Written by Peter Walkden
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