How to Have Sex 2023

Overview

How to Have Sex is a 2023 coming-of-age drama film that marks the directorial debut of writer and director Molly Manning Walker. The story follows three British teenage girls who embark on a rites-of-passage holiday characterized by drinking, clubbing, and hooking up. The film stars Mia McKenna-Bruce, Lara Peake, and Enva Lewis as three sixteen-year-old best friends navigating new friendships, sexual pressures, and self-discovery during their trip. Beyond the surface of a typical summer getaway, the narrative explores complex themes regarding the experience of sexual assault and the nature of consent. Critics have noted the film for its brutal honesty and frankness in addressing these difficult subjects. The production received recognition at the Cannes Film Festival, where it was awarded the top prize in the Un Certain Regard competition. The film serves as an examination of the complexities surrounding early sexual experiences and the social pressures faced by teenagers during this transitional period of their lives.