I Want Your Sex

 

       Yes, it's a provocative title but in the hands of director and co-writer (with Karley Sciortino) of Gregg Araki, I would consider this new comedy/drama a parody of contemporary art and sexual politics. This is Mr. Araki's first film in twelve years after a string of independent films (including "The Doom Generation") and he has a lot to say about the world today.

        The film opens with a clever nod to "Sunset Boulevard" and "9 1/2 Weeks" setting the stage for an unusual relationship between an artist with an open mind towards kinky sex and her new art gallery  assistant, who becomes her latest "boytoy".

         Cooper Hoffman stars as Elliot, the naive gallery assistant looking for a connection he is not getting from his current girlfriend (played by Charli XCX) or his life in general. Olivia Wilde is Erika, the gallery owner and artist hoping to make a splash with her latest outragous exhibit. Erika sees something in Elliot and he soon becomes entangled in a serious BDSM sexual relationship with the domineering Erika. The film also co-stars Mason Gooding, Daveed Diggs, Chase Sui Wonders, Margaret Cho and Johnny Knoxville.

         While erotic up to a point, Mr. Araki's exploration of sexual dynamics becomes more comedic than sexy, but he blends his genres so well the film becomes a smart commentary while, at the same time, poking fun at Generation Z's expense. His stylish and colorful direction is visually appealing and Mr. Hoffman and Ms. Wilde don't hold back in their onscreen chemistry. Their sex scenes are wild without being overly explicit.  These are daring roles for both actors and they pull it off. Mr. Hoffman, in particular, is exceptional as the conflicted Elliot.

          A mainstream audience may be put off by the title and apparent subject matter but the film sneaks up on you and certainly has more to offer than what one might think going in.