Olivia Wilde Returns to Provocative Cinema with Gregg Araki’s ‘I Want Your Sex’
Sex, money, and a healthy dose of murder – these are the hallmarks of Gregg Araki’s work, and he’s back with a vengeance. After a hiatus since 2015’s Kaboom, Araki premiered his latest film, I Want Your Sex, at Sundance for the 11th time, paying homage to Robert Redford’s vision of a creative haven for diverse voices. This isn’t a continuation of his previous style, but a bold outreach to Generation Z, a raunchy, campy comedy that fearlessly tackles age gaps and the complexities of modern relationships. If you enjoyed Babygirl, prepare for a wilder ride.
A Gender-Reversed ‘Sunset Boulevard’
The film opens with a striking image: Elliot (Cooper Hoffman) found floating upside down in a pool, clad in pink, with a bloody nose and lipstick-smeared mouth. Araki masterfully uses flashbacks, intercut with deadpan police interrogations led by the brilliantly cast Margaret Cho and Johnny Knoxville, to unravel the events leading to this bizarre scene.
Elliot finds himself entangled with Erika (Olivia Wilde), a provocative artist whose gallery is a playground of sexually explicit art and eccentric personalities. Wilde delivers a captivating performance, embodying Erika’s confidence and control from the moment she appears on screen. She’s a woman who knows exactly what she wants, and isn’t afraid to take it. (“You know I hate criticism,” she quips, “especially when it’s accurate”).
Exploring Power Dynamics and Generational Differences
The dynamic between Erika and Elliot is the heart of the film. Erika, a seasoned artist, sees something intriguing in Elliot’s refreshingly unpretentious nature. Their relationship quickly evolves into a no-strings-attached affair, where Erika delights in playfully mocking the “whiney, repressed weaklings” of Elliot’s generation. Meanwhile, Elliot grapples with the guilt of cheating on his girlfriend, Minerva (Charlie XCX, in a surprisingly comedic role), whose faked orgasms hint at hidden talents.
Art, Satire, and the Pursuit of Pleasure
Araki doesn’t shy away from satirizing the art world, but he doesn’t dwell on it either. He acknowledges the inherent absurdity of contemporary art – Erika casually drops $20,000 on a painting featuring the word “F*ck” – but ultimately focuses on the exploration of sexuality and desire. Like much of his previous work, I Want Your Sex embraces a broad spectrum of sexual expression, challenging conventional norms and celebrating fluidity.
Despite its explicit content, the film surprisingly resonates with universal themes. It’s a relatable story about falling for someone you shouldn’t, navigating the complexities of desire, and the awkwardness of trying to bring fantasies to life. Forget the props; at its core, I Want Your Sex is a surprisingly honest and insightful exploration of love, lust, and the human condition.
You can read more about the film and the Sundance Film Festival at Deadline.
