I Want Your Sex – Desire And Lust Leads To Obsession And Control

I Want Your Sex is a controversial new erotic comedy with thriller elements, co-written and directed by Gregg Araki that should leave audiences astonished.

Gregg Araki is an indie filmmaker famous for producing films which revolve around young people and sexuality. His latest cinematic venture is a witty and raunchy tale about modern dating, with Olivia Wilde portraying an artist who has an extremely provocative approach to sex and art.

Cooper Hoffman plays the role of Elliot a clean-cut 23-year-old man who lands an excellent job for Erica Tracy, an artist who seems to have sex with all her employees – “You’re not her first and you won’t be her last,” a work mate warns him. Elliot quickly becomes her sexual muse, but at what cost?

His obsession for much older Erica escalates, so much so that he only desires to be with her. But is she playing with his emotions? Is he over his head in this questionable relationship as he comes to the realization that sex may be a drug and more shockingly, that he may be a sex slave to a sociopath? What follows is a twisted tale of betrayal, deceit, forbidden sex, abuse of power, and seemingly the most prominent evil of all – murder.

For people who want to know all about sex but are too afraid to ask, this film ticks all the right boxes. In terms of sexuality nothing sacred is left untouched. Not a moment passes where there isn’t a verbal or visual display of sex. The use of sex toys, bondage & discipline, threesomes, and other sexual acts which many may regard as morally offensive, are rampant throughout. There’s also nudity and a full-frontal of a man that may astonish the more prudish of viewers.

However, the laughter is ongoing and ultimately this film may be titillating for audiences who are easily excited or aroused by sexual imagery. But darkness falls in the second half; comedy is briefly halted as the storyline traverses to themes of murder.

Olivia Wilde and Cooper Hoffman are perfectly paired in what may be the wildest and funniest comedy of the year. Hoffman is hilarious as the naïve and gentle 23-year-old intern who provides most of the laughter. Wilde is perfectly cast as the uninhibited, chaotic, and possibly dangerous contemporary artist and provocateur.

There are several themes which resonate throughout. Elliot is naïve and inexperienced in sexual matters – through this relationship he awakens and experiences intimacy. He also learns that freedom without boundaries can take a toll on relationships.

This is quite a unique comedy, seamlessly combined with everything sexual which should appeal to all mature moviegoers who enjoy comedies which are borderline inappropriate, but playfully alluring.

***1/2

In Cinemas August 27