How to Have Sex

Released Feb 2

1 hr. 38 min.

Drama

List

96%

136 Reviews

Tomatometer

65%

100+ Ratings

Audience Score

Three British teenage girls go on a rites-of-passage holiday -- drinking, clubbing and hooking up, in what should be the best summer of their lives.

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Critics Consensus

A powerful debut for Molly Manning Walker, How to Have Sex authentically captures female adolescence and friendship with sobering effervescence.

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Ghederick Eshmont

The film’s brilliance is evident in its nuance & what’s left unsaid by Tara. Molly Manning-Walker’s debut is exceptional.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/04/24

Full Review

Arnold D

Great message, tough watch.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/30/24

Full Review

Eric D

Pretty awful. I have to assume all the 5 star ratings must be paid for.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

04/20/24

Full Review

Yash B

"How to Have Sex" is a very unique take on a coming-of-age movie. The movie isn't as focused on being light and funny, despite many vibrant party sequences. I feel like the movie was more designed to feel bleak and uncomfortable, which contrasted with its visual style, and made for a unique watching experience. I think the three leads here genuinely feel like real teenagers, so the movie ends up being effective. I do think it is a slower movie and a lot of time is given just to reflect on intense moments I witnessed. Overall, it is a fascinating movie that raises some good discussions and is also just well-made and engaging.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

04/08/24

Full Review

Der D

So boring, stopped watching after 40%. Don't trust the rating.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

03/16/24

Full Review

Steve P

How to Have Sex is a long way away from a typical teen romp comedy. Director Molly Manning Walker throws a curveball with this deceptively titled film, instead opting for a raw and unflinching look at female friendship, consent, and the pressures of growing up. Three British teenagers, best friends since childhood, embark on a summer vacation to Greece, fueled by dreams of partying and romantic conquests. However, their idyllic plans take a dark turn, forcing them to confront complex issues that go beyond the awkwardness of teenage flirtation. Walker, drawing inspiration from her own teenage experiences, paints a relatable portrait of female friendships. The bond between the three leads feels genuine, with their playful banter and unspoken understanding ringing true. Mia McKenna-Bruce shines as Tara, the sensitive and introspective centre of the group. However, the exploration of their dynamic falters slightly at times. The supporting characters, particularly Skye (Lara Peake), can feel one-dimensional, their motivations reduced to teenage posturing and insecurity. The film's greatest strength lies in its handling of consent. Walker avoids graphic depictions, instead focusing on the emotional fallout and the lingering sense of violation. A pivotal scene at a nightclub is particularly powerful, using slow-motion camerawork and an unsettling soundscape to capture the confusion and fear Tara experiences. This isn't an after-school special; it's a nuanced exploration of consent that persists long after the credits have ended. Technically, How to Have Sex is a solid effort. The cinematography is naturalistic, with handheld camerawork that reflects the carefree energy of the first half and the claustrophobic tension of the latter. The score is subtle yet effective, using atmospheric sounds and electronic flourishes to underscore the emotional beats. Editing is sharp, keeping the pace brisk without sacrificing character development. While the film doesn't shy away from difficult themes, it's not relentlessly bleak. There are moments of humour and genuine connection, particularly between Tara and Em (Enva Lewis), the voice of reason in the group. This balance between humour and heartbreak is reminiscent of films like The Virgin Suicides or Booksmart, capturing the bittersweet cocktail of teenage emotions. How to Have Sex isn't a perfect film. The characters, while well-acted, could be fleshed out further, and the ending feels a tad ambiguous. However, its unflinching portrayal of consent and its exploration of female friendship resonate deeply. This is a coming-of-age story that feels both authentic and important, a must-watch for anyone who remembers the complexities and anxieties of those teenage years. A thought-provoking and emotionally resonant film for mature teens and adults.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/10/24

Full Review

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Molly Manning Walker

Director

Mia McKenna-Bruce

Tara

Samuel Bottomley

Paddy

Lara Peake

Skye

Shaun Thomas

Badger

Eilidh Loan

Fi

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Wenlei Ma

The Nightly (AU)

It’s naturalistic, thoughtful, and deeply, deeply uncomfortable because there are familiar behaviours that almost anyone will remember from their own adolescence — and wish they could forget.

Rated: 3.5/5

Mar 10, 2024

Full Review

Geordie Gray

The Australian

This film marks Molly Manning Walker as a director to watch.

Rated: 3.5/5

Feb 24, 2024

Full Review

Randy Myers

San Jose Mercury News

Walker realizes this is risky material but she avoids sensationalism in charting Tara’s treacherous journey, one that requires lead McKenna-Bryce to crawl into tough emotional spaces.

Rated: 3.5/4

Feb 15, 2024

Full Review

KT Mahe

For Your Reference Podcast

The beauty of Molly Manning Walker’s storytelling brings the fierce resolve of Mia McKenna-Bruce’s performance. For the friends that said the wrong thing at the wrong time, this film says the right thing at the right time.

Rated: 5/5

Apr 23, 2024

Full Review

Oti

For Your Reference Podcast

With powerful storytelling, How to Have Sex confronts the complexities of trauma. Its essential discomfort will ignite important dialogue.

Rated: 4.5/5

Apr 23, 2024

Full Review

Matt Pais

MattPais.com

An effective movie about the intertwining of closeness and discomfort.

Rated: B+

Apr 15, 2024

Full Review

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Synopsis

Three British teenage girls go on a rites-of-passage holiday -- drinking, clubbing and hooking up, in what should be the best summer of their lives.

Director: Molly Manning Walker
Executive Producer: Farhana Bhula, Ben Coren, Phil Hunt, Kristin Irving, Fionnuala Jamison, Nathanaël Karmitz, Giorgos Karnavas, Compton Ross
Screenwriter: Molly Manning Walker, Molly Manning Walker
Distributor: MUBI
Production Co: British Film Institute, Heretic, Film4
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 2, 2024, Limited
Box Office (Gross USA): $177.4K

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