Erika (Olivia Wilde) and Elliot (Cooper Hoffman) share an unconventional work relationship in the movie I Want Your Sex. Directed by Gregg Araki, the film was recently showcased at the Sundance Film Festival, marking a significant return for Araki. His previous works in the early ’90s established him as a prominent figure in queer independent cinema, with films like The Living End and Totally F***ed Up.
Throughout his career, Araki has consistently portrayed sex as a fundamental aspect of his characters’ lives. In I Want Your Sex, Olivia Wilde plays Erika Tracy, a multimedia artist known for her provocative work. The story begins in a noirish fashion, reminiscent of Sunset Boulevard, with Erika floating face-down in her swimming pool. Elliot, her assistant, played by Cooper Hoffman, tries to rescue her.
The narrative rewinds several weeks to when Erika hires Elliot. Smart yet naïve, Elliot becomes ensnared in Erika’s dominant-submissive interactions. Their meetings take place primarily in Erika’s home and intersperse humor with thought-provoking conversations about Gen-Z relationships. Elliot attributes the lack of intimacy among his peers to factors like COVID-19 and overprotective parenting. Erika challenges this outlook, advocating for risk-taking and defying boundaries.
I Want Your Sex serves as Araki’s take on contemporary physical connections. Although he belongs to an older generation, Araki’s concern and inclusivity in his storytelling are evident. The film is vibrant and filled with witty pop-culture references. Mason Gooding and Chase Sui Wonders offer notable performances as Elliot’s colleague and best friend, bringing additional layers to the plot.
The movie reaches a dramatic peak when Erika proposes escalating their relationship. This scene, however, proves a bit underwhelming, reflecting a common theme in recent BDSM-centered films, which often highlight the sustainable challenges within such dynamics. Despite this, Araki’s comedic approach remains engaging.
Elliot’s portrayal by Hoffman, who gained attention in Licorice Pizza, showcases his comedic appeal, avoiding any caricature depictions. Wilde excels in conveying Erika’s complexity, balancing humor with serious discussions on desire. Her character embodies a typical Araki creation—exploring the fluidity of human desires through quirky and serious lenses.