Olivia Wilde and Cooper Hoffman headline I Want Your Sex, an offbeat indie that mixes dark comedy, erotic tension, and mystery into a surprisingly entertaining experience.
Every time I hear the words "I Want Your Sex," I instantly start humming George Michael's 1987 hit song. Well, now I need to retrain my brain because Magnolia Pictures is releasing a film with the same title this year. Starring Olivia Wilde (Don't Worry Darling), Cooper Hoffman (The Long Walk), and Mason Gooding (Scream), the semi-erotic film combines BDSM with a murder mystery and comedy for an offbeat, quirky, kinky tour de force that will make you rethink the way you see sex and art. While the premise might turn some people off, there is a lot to like about I Want Your Sex.
Elliot (Hoffman) is a recent college graduate who gets an interview with one of the hottest and most controversial artists around, Erika Tracy (Wilde). During one of the most bizarre and probably illegal interviews imaginable, Erika asks Elliot personal questions that make him uncomfortable. Miraculously, though, he gets the job and becomes one of Erika's interns along with Zap (Gooding). One day, Erika calls Elliot into her office, starts questioning him about his sex life, and then bluntly proposes that he become her submissive. At first things seem great and Elliot, despite being shy, starts enjoying the role-playing. However, it begins to ruin his life, leading up to the night he blacks out at Erika's house and wakes up to find her lying face down in the swimming pool.
The subject matter may shock the more prudish members of society, but the overall idea is based on the classic concept of a boss having power over a subordinate and wielding that power however they see fit. It also explores how far some people are willing to go to deceive others. Finally, it allows the audience to experience a young man coming into his own and tasting freedom, ironically as a submissive.
The cast, which also includes Daveed Diggs (Hamilton), Johnny Knoxville (Jackass), Chase Sui Wonders (I Know What You Did Last Summer), Margaret Cho (30 Rock), and Charli XCX (Sacrifice), is a well-oiled ensemble that brings this unusual subject matter the gravitas it deserves. Wilde is excellent as the bipolar, eccentric, creative artist, and Hoffman is well cast as the naïve yet open-minded intern. Diggs is great as the deadpan and pretentious business manager, Vikktor (with two Ks), and Gooding portrays the obligatory gay friend with all the flair and "sparkle" that deserves two snaps up.
Director and co-writer Gregg Araki (Mysterious Skin) gives the film an even pace that begins with the opening scene and doesn't let up until an hour and a half later when the credits roll. He makes the kinkier moments as tasteful as possible while still keeping them erotic, and he utilizes the surroundings well to enhance the plot rather than distract from it. He also draws terrific performances from his cast, though as a co-writer one can't help but wonder what life experiences inspired such an unusual story.
There are all kinds of strange and unusual stories, especially in the world of independent filmmaking, but, like most things, some are better than others. I Want Your Sex falls into the former category with terrific dialogue, wonderful performances, and an interesting, humorous, and unique plot.
This film isn't going to appeal to everyone. However, for open-minded audiences and those who enjoy more arthouse-style filmmaking, I Want Your Sex offers a night at the movies that isn't made up of the same old horror, sci-fi, or superhero genres.
Grade: B+
