Three British teenagers arrive in Crete for the hedonistic holiday of a lifetime, in this coming of age story about jealousy, consent and female friendship.
A Raw, Unflinching Look at Teenage Hedonism and Consent
Molly Manning Walker’s debut feature How to Have Sex (2023) delivers a blistering coming of age drama set against the sun soaked chaos of a Greek party island. Starring Mia McKenna Bruce, Lara Peake, and Anna Antoniades as three British teens chasing freedom in Crete, the film explores friendship, jealousy, and the blurred lines of consent. Nominated for 3 BAFTAs and winner of 14 awards, this 91 minutes gut punch balances youthful energy with sobering truths.
Plot & Themes: Paradise Lost
Tara (McKenna Bruce), Em (Peake), and Skye (Antoniades) arrive in Malia for a rite of passage holiday booze, beaches, and hookups. But their quest for fun spirals as peer pressure and insecurity mount. Tara, a virgin, faces escalating expectations to “lose it,” while Em’s jealousy strains their bond. Walker’s script avoids easy judgments, instead dissecting how societal pressures warp teenage agency.
Performances: Authentic & Unsettling
McKenna Bruce shines as Tara, her wide eyed optimism crumbling into quiet despair. Peake embodies toxic bravado as Em, masking vulnerability with reckless behavior. Antoniades’ Skye navigates loyalty and self preservation. The trio’s chemistry feels painfully real, echoing Skins meets Boiling Point.
Direction & Tone: Sunburned Realism
Walker films Crete’s neon lit clubs and cramped hostels with docu style grit. Parties pulse with dizzying lights and bass, contrasting stark morning after scenes. The director uses lingering close ups to capture microaggressions and unspoken tensions, making even consensual moments feel fraught.
Awards & Reception
The film won the Un Certain Regard Prize at Cannes and accolades for McKenna Bruce’s breakout performance. Critics praise its unflinching take on consent culture, though some find its pacing uneven.
Final Verdict
How to Have Sex isn’t a titillating romp it’s a vital, uncomfortable mirror to teenage realities. While its heavy themes may deter casual viewers, its honesty resonates. Stream it for bold storytelling, but brace for impact.