Olivia Wilde delivers a commanding performance as Erika Tracy, an artist and provocateur at the center of the new BDSM comedy "I Want Your Sex." Directed by Gregg Araki, the film playfully tackles themes of sex and generational divides, with Wilde anchoring the narrative with her "withering glare, a commanding presence and killer timing."
The movie, which opened in theaters Friday, hinges on the plausibility of Erika's character, described as a "buttoned-up" executive. While the film is rated R for graphic nudity, strong sexual content, and pervasive language, it aims to be a sharp, humorous, and outlandish exploration of Gen Z's "crisis of intimacy."
At the heart of the story is a consensual, sex-only, dom-sub relationship between Erika and her younger employee, Elliot, played by Cooper Hoffman. Despite Elliot's insistence on its consensual nature to interviewing detectives (Johnny Knoxville and Margaret Cho), the arrangement significantly impacts his life.
Elliot, portrayed as awkward, is an unlikely candidate for such a relationship. He shares his life with his best friend Apple (Chase Sui Wonders) and has a girlfriend, Minerva (Charli xcx). However, the film highlights a general lack of sexual activity, with Minerva complaining about infrequent intimacy.
As Elliot's fantasies with Erika become reality, the situation inevitably becomes complicated, involving "blood, tears, betrayal and maybe even murder." The film is characterized as an "over-the-top satire of the art world," featuring supporting performances from Daveed Diggs and Mason Gooding, and a standout role from Wonders as a neurotically repressed character.
While the film does not aim for profound conclusions, it serves as a "terrific platform" for Wilde, showcasing her intelligence and comedic talent. The review suggests "I Want Your Sex" could be a double feature with Wilde's directorial effort, "The Invite," to further explore modern conversations around sex and her range as an artist. Wilde is recognized as a "world-class comedienne" who is "coming into her own" two decades into her career.
"I Want Your Sex" has a running time of 90 minutes and received three out of four stars.