Cómo tener sexo

This impressively naturalistic and quietly devastating exploration of consent focuses on sixteen-year-old Tara as she takes a trip to Malia with her best friends, the envy-prone Skye and the empathetic Em, to celebrate the completion of her exams - and, perhaps, to distract her from the anxiety surrounding her soon-to-be-released grades - by drinking, clubbing and maybe, just maybe, hooking up with some strangers. The trip holds extra importance for her, as she's the last of her friends to still be a virgin and feels the need to rectify this before she returns back home (largely due to societal pressure pushed by her peers - or, rather, one in particular). Strikingly realistic in its every aspect, the picture plays out like an authentic coming-of-age slice of life and keenly cuts to the core of a feeling all too familiar with so many of us, particularly women. While it does generally have a fly-on-the-wall vibe, it also makes use of distinct cinematic techniques to draw you wholly into its hero's headspace. It's an intimate, often incredibly uncomfortable picture that has a lot to say and isn't afraid to say it. It doesn't so much start a conversation as it does make its point and let you chew on it; the ethics surrounding its central issues are pretty black and white, and they aren't intended to be debated so much as communicated. Indeed, 'How To Have Sex (2023)' actually has an implied 'Not' in the title. Whether it reflects someone's own experience and makes them feel seen or challenges someone's behaviour and (hopefully) makes them be better in the future, the film will likely resonate deeply with everyone in its audience. Its power grows the longer you have to sit with it, and its true brilliance is only really evident in retrospect. It's a powerful picture, for sure, arguably because of - not in spite of - its general subtlety. It's essential viewing for, well, pretty much everyone, really.

It's many decades since I was a teenager, and over 10 years since my own kids navigated that period for themselves, but if this really is representative of what it's like for the current generation (and I guess I have to believe it is, at least somewhat), then it's kind of sad, I think. I wish them well.

As a film, this takes its time to find a balance, IMHO, but the core characters come through pretty well by the end, although personally I found some of them seriously underwritten (e.g. The lesbian couple) and would have preferred them either silent or absent, or given more to do. However, this is a first-time filmmaker, so perhaps that's a bit harsh.

Don't expect a fun time.

I think any parent of a late-teenage child will be mortified at what goes on when three girls head off to Heraklion in search of sun, sea and sex. They arrive full of beans - determined too have a good time and to get laid. We quickly learn that "Tara" (Mia McKenna-Bruce) has yet to experience that, and she is keen to tick that particular event from her bucket list. Together with pals "Skye" (Lara Peake) and "Em" (Enva Lewis) they hook up with the folks whose balcony is next door. "Tara" takes a bit of a shine to tattooed, van driver, "Badger" (Shaun Thomas) who is there with his friends "Paddy" (Samuel Bottomley) and "Paige" (Laura Ambler). It's on their third night that the film stops being a video-diary of hedonistic behaviour as her friend "Badger" gets blown away by a poolside experience and she finds herself on her own, then on the beach with... What now ensues begin the elements that provides the crux of the point of the film. When is what we want not what we want, when does yes not really mean yes - or it means yes because you just want to get something over with, or yes because you are just curious, or yes because you are too stoked up to think anything through - and are in the arms of a charismatic person? This isn't a violent film in any graphic sense, but it does have quite an emotionally potent impact for a while as the very much on-form McKenna-Bruce juggles her outward, bouncy and lively persona, with a young woman who is still very much growing up - and vulnerable. I didn't love the last twenty minutes - they robbed the film of the much of the ambiguity that hitherto had made it poignant and a talking point. At this point the behaviour becomes just plain wrong and odious - before they all head home. This is a story about a girl, but it could just as easily be about a boy - under self and peer imposed pressures to perform/conform unaware of the longer-term consequences of sand getting everywhere. Snag for me is that the film is just too much of a fly-on-the-wall documentary for the most part. We have to wait too long before the story starts to make it's point effectively, and then I think it rather rushes and compromises the message. It's still worth a watch, though - and McKenna-Bruce is very confident and impressive.

We don't get enough films like 'How to Have Sex'. Perhaps because they are hard to promote and sell, but when they are done right they are so good that it shouldn't matter. I love the understated nature and the ultra-realism this film possessed. Everything just hits so much harder because of that.

The film has a terrific sense of dread. For a long time to begin with you are just watching these characters party and have fun. But you always know that something more sinister is just around the corner. You don't know what it is or where it's coming from exactly. You just know it's coming.

Something else I really liked about this one was that it has a lot of respect for its audience. It doesn't tell you everything. It lets you make up your own mind on what exactly a character is thinking/going through. There is some terrific acting that helps this. Often the camera will just remain on a character's face for an extended period of time and watch her go through a range of emotions when dealing with something. It was really interesting to watch.

I think film discussion groups would have a field-day with this film. There's a lot to break down and because nothing it really spelt out it leaves a lot to interpretation. This was a good one. 7/10.

Title: A Poignant Journey of Self-Discovery: "How to Have Sex"

"How to Have Sex" takes audiences on an intimate exploration of the lives of three British teenage girls as they embark on a rite-of-passage holiday filled with drinking, clubbing, and relationships. This coming-of-age film captures the essence of what should be the best summer of their lives, while delving into the complex and often difficult subject matters that young women encounter.

The movie's ability to tackle such hard-hitting themes in a very poignant manner makes it a standout piece. It fearlessly dives into the emotional struggles and personal challenges faced by the girls, creating a raw and authentic portrayal that resonates deeply with the audience. This authenticity, however, could make the film a tough watch for many women due to its triggering content.

The superb acting from the cast lends a natural and believable quality to the characters. Their performances add to the film's overall realism, allowing viewers to connect with the characters on a profound level. This authenticity brings a certain level of relatability, making their experiences all the more impactful.

In "How to Have Sex," the journey of self-discovery is portrayed with a great deal of realism. The film doesn't shy away from depicting the complexities of relationships, friendships, and personal growth that come with the territory of teenage life. This realism is both a strength and a potential challenge, as it might hit too close to home for some viewers.

Rating a movie like "How to Have Sex" is undoubtedly a challenging task. While the film's authenticity and exploration of hard subjects are commendable, its potential to be triggering for many women must also be taken into consideration. For those who can handle its deeply personal narrative, the superb acting and realistic portrayal will likely leave a lasting impression.