After nearly a decade, Gregg Araki makes his long-awaited return to feature filmmaking with the comedy “I Want Your Sex,” released via Magnolia Pictures and previewed at Boston Independent Film Festival.
The film stars Cooper Hoffman as Elliot, a twenty-something struggling to navigate life with an emotionally absent partner (Charli XCX) and an increasing desperation for work. In search for a job, he finds his way into the studio of Erika Tracy (Olivia Wilde), a sex-positive, critically acclaimed installation artist, and lands a job as her assistant. What begins as a much-needed, and originally titillating, opportunity quickly spirals into something far more complicated and incriminating than he anticipated.
The supporting cast is equally notable, featuring Daveed Diggs, Mason Gooding, Chase Sui Wonders, Johnny Knoxville, and Margaret Cho.
For a premise that could easily feel contrived, the dialogue flows naturally. This is likely due in part to the screenplay, co-written by Araki and frequent collaborator Karley Sciortino, known as the creator of “Slutever.” In a 2019 interview with BUILD discussing Araki and Sciortino’s previous collaboration, “Now Apocalypse,” Sciortino noted, “Sex is a huge part of a person’s identity. When you’re in these intimate situations with another person, you see a side of them that you don’t see in normal life.” That perspective is evident here, particularly in scenes that explore Elliot’s inclination toward submission and Erika’s commanding dominance, giving their dynamic a sense of psychological depth.
While the script provides a strong foundation, it’s Hoffman and Wilde’s performances that bring the film to life. Hoffman’s facial expressions and line delivery convincingly capture a character who lacks the confidence to assert himself, while Wilde strikes a careful balance, quirky enough to remain engaging, but grounded enough to make Erika’s dominance believable. Their quick, natural, and often comedic exchanges land especially well.
The one element that strains credibility is Elliot’s willingness to return to Erika so quickly. Despite being blindsided moments earlier, he shows little hesitation in re-entering her orbit. While his infatuation is clear, the lack of internal conflict feels slightly underdeveloped.
Visually, the film is bright and playful, with color serving as a subtle but important storytelling tool. Elliot’s apartment is vibrant and slightly cartoonish, reflecting the arrested development of someone still trying to figure things out. In contrast, Erika’s home is stark and nearly devoid of color, until the film’s climax, when her bedroom introduces a striking shift in palette. The contrast reads as metaphor: her carefully controlled, detached exterior gives way to something more intimate and layered, though still guarded. It’s a space few are allowed to truly access, reinforcing how she keeps others at arm’s length.
The film also features an almost “Who Framed Roger Rabbit”-style animation that blends live action with 2D illustration. While the technique is effective when used, its sparse application makes it feel somewhat underutilized, disappearing for long stretches before briefly returning in the final moments, where it reads more like an afterthought than a fully integrated device.
Still, with its talented cast and emotionally grounded script, “I Want Your Sex” is a sharp, visually engaging comedy that’s well worth watching.
Amelia Cordischi, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Juice Box Press, is an accomplished digital marketing professional with over a decade of experience in media and communications. Her work has been featured in notable publications, including The Boston Globe. A communications graduate of Simmons University in Boston, Amelia served as manager of Simmons College Radio (“The Shark”), where she also launched and co-hosted her radio show, The Find.
In addition to her editorial work, Amelia is an established freelance photographer, with bylines in Blended Magazine and CelebMix, capturing artists and cultural moments across the music and media landscape. Her career began at WCVB-TV’s Chronicle, the ABC affiliate in Boston, where she gained firsthand experience in broadcast journalism and storytelling.
When she’s not taking photos from the photo pit, interviewing emerging artists, or crafting the next Juice Box Press feature, Amelia can be found thrifting and exploring the world of sustainable fashion.