An erotic thriller titled “I Want Your Sex,” starring Olivia Wilde and Cooper Hoffman, generated significant buzz at the Sundance Film Festival Friday night. The film, directed by Gregg Araki, explores a sadomasochistic relationship between a sexually confident artist and her gallery assistant.
A Boundary-Pushing Narrative
The film features explicit content, including scenes involving whips, chains, and other implements, as well as a “disastrous threesome.” Wilde plays Erika Tracy, a character who, according to Araki, required an actor willing to “not give a fuck, and just want to just fucking take the plunge.” Wilde stated she was drawn to the project by Araki’s enthusiasm and desire to create a film free from corporate constraints.
Cooper Hoffman, known for his role in “Licorice Pizza,” initially doubted his suitability for the part, but Araki saw a resemblance to Dustin Hoffman in “The Graduate” and believed he could capture a similar intensity. Hoffman ultimately embraced the challenge, stating, “I’m very happy I did.”
Shifting Perspectives on Screen Sex
Interestingly, Olivia Wilde noted on the red carpet that Gen Z audiences reportedly desire “less sex” in film and television, preferring “authenticity.” She suggested that traditional portrayals of sex on screen have often felt unrealistic. Despite this trend, “I Want Your Sex” is expected to test the limits of an R-rating with its explicit content.
Cast members, including Chase Sui Wonders, emphasized that the film’s core is a “tragic love story” about obsession, with the sexual elements serving as a secondary component. The film also stars Mason Gooding, Daveed Diggs, and Charli xcx. Black Bear produced the film, and its premiere drew interest from distribution executives representing Magnolia, Roadside, and Mubi.
A Tribute to Sundance’s Founder
Prior to the screening, Araki honored Sundance founder Robert Redford, who died last year at age 89, praising his commitment to supporting independent and diverse filmmakers. Araki described Redford’s dedication as being “all about DEI.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “I Want Your Sex” about?
“I Want Your Sex” is an erotic thriller centering on a sadomasochistic relationship between a sexually assured artist, Erika Tracy, played by Olivia Wilde, and her gallery assistant, Elliot, played by Cooper Hoffman.
Who directed the film?
The film was directed by Gregg Araki, and is his eleventh feature to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival.
What did Olivia Wilde say about Gen Z and sex on screen?
Olivia Wilde stated that Gen Z audiences reportedly want to see less sex in movies and TV because they “don’t want to see inauthenticity anymore,” and that the way sex has been portrayed in film hasn’t been particularly realistic.
Will “I Want Your Sex” find a distributor, and what kind of audience might it attract, given the current cultural conversation around on-screen intimacy?
