Film Review – I Want Your Sex (2026)

      I Want Your Sex, 2026.

      Written and Directed by Gregg Araki.

      Featuring Olivia Wilde, Cooper Hoffman, Mason Gooding, Chase Sui Wonders, Daveed Diggs, Charli xcx, Johnny Knoxville, Margaret Cho, Roxane Mesquida, George Todd McLachlan, and James Duval.

      SYNOPSIS:

      Elliot gets hired by Erika Tracy as her sexual muse. As the curator of a sexuality-focused art gallery, Erika, played by Olivia Wilde, introduces 12-years-younger Elliot, portrayed by Cooper Hoffman, to the world of kink right from his first day. The film is structured as a series of flashbacks interspersed with a present-day police interrogation led by Johnny Knoxville that seeks to unravel a mystery. Returning writer/director Gregg Araki delivers a provocatively entertaining experience in I Want Your Sex, almost intentionally designed to provide opportunities for Elliot to address the shock of modern viewers, mainstream audiences, and the sex-averse Generation Z by repeatedly acknowledging that, indeed, much of this is reprehensible conduct from someone in power. Yet, he is also fulfilling his hidden fantasies and consenting to become a submissive to Erika, who exhibits sociopathic, narcissistic, and sex-addicted tendencies.

      The term "almost" is key here, as the filmmaker likely disregards societal norms and seems eager to provoke discussion about who people can engage in relationships with, a concern that is none of others' business. Elliot himself struggles with sex addiction, either being neglected by his academically-driven girlfriend Minerva (Charli xcx in a role that contrasts sharply with her public identity) or being too inexperienced and naive to recognize that she fakes orgasms when they do engage sexually, which is a rare occurrence that she gives in to for a night.

      Another character describes Erika as “the pretentious whore from hell,” a line that resonates without judgment. Claiming that this marks the boldest performances of Olivia Wilde and Cooper Hoffman's careers wouldn’t be an exaggeration, given their daring and provocative portrayals. Wilde recently directed and starred in the single-setting dysfunctional marriage/sex comedy The Invite, where she embodies a more reserved character, not entirely different from her role in this film.

      Watching these two films back-to-back would highlight Olivia Wilde’s remarkable range as an actress, flipping from a state of dissatisfaction to that of a demanding, adventurous sex goddess who often interrupts her work for pleasure, pushing Elliot to explore experiences like being pegged or including a friend for a threesome. Cooper Hoffman, meanwhile, brings to mind a sense of pride that his father, Philip Seymour Hoffman, would feel regarding his evolving career, as he steadily ascends rather than seeking instant fame.

      Much of the film's humor is outrageous and intentionally crude, with the awareness that Erika is manipulative and Elliot might be borderline insane for continuing to return to her (both literally and metaphorically). As their relationship intensifies, it progressively unravels his life. The narrative focuses less on the characters and more on a commentary about sex, introducing a European character with different views on intimacy, only for Erika to ridicule it once she leaves.

      It's worth noting that I Want Your Sex does not aim for profundity; its occasional cartoonish elements and several misleading conclusions suggest that, while there may be insights into the sexual psychology presented, the film primarily prioritizes entertainment. Despite moments where the pacing slows, Gregg Araki and his cast take bold steps to elicit reactions from audiences (potentially in various ways), ensuring that the perverse, playful energy remains lively. The film is both hilarious and effective in challenging those who are uptight about discussing sex in contemporary culture.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★

      Robert Kojder