Molly Manning Walker's upcoming film How To Have Sex delivers us to the limbo place between high school's conclusion and the start of the so-called real world. Her gaze rests on three British friends, Tara, Em and Skye, who have just submitted their finals exams and are en route to the Cretan party hub, Malia, to let off steam.
The film won the Un Certain Regard Prize at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, a category which aims to recognise burgeoning talent and daring films by support its distribution in France with a grant, and was recently given a British release date. With early praise, below we answer all your questions about Molly Manning Walker's debut feature.
What is How To Have Sex about?
As the name suggests, the film explores consent and sex in all its ambiguities without feeling preachy or hackneyed. In its review of How To Have Sex, The Guardian described it as an "unsentimental film, without the coming-of-age cliches, and one from which the three leads emerge stronger and happier than before".
Tara, the more withdrawn member of the trio, is a virgin and is intent on having sex. The 17-year-old's hotel room neighbours are promising candidates for the job. There's Badger, an unfortunately-named yet goofy and sweet option, along with his more confident and attractive friend Paddy, who becomes the eventual target. While Skye and Em are off on their own escapades, Em has a moment with a queer girl in the boy's hotel room, Paddy takes a drunk Tara for a beach walk and the film takes a sobering turn.
Who is involved?
London-based cinematographer and director, Molly Manning Walker is behind the film. She previously worked on the cinematography for Sundance World Cinema Grand Jury Prize winner, Scrapper, starring Harris Dickinson. English actress, Mia McKenna-Bruce, gives a winning performance as Tara. While Lara Peake and Enva Lewis play Skye and Em, respectively. Shaun Thomas plays Badger while Samuel Bottomley is Paddy.
Is there a release date?
The film was screened at Melbourne International Film Festival, however an Australian release date is unclear. For audiences in the UK, it will debut on Mubi on November 3.
Is there a trailer?
Yes, there sure is, and it will give you flashbacks to your schoolies trip. Find it, below.
Image: Twitter
