#CANNES: “HOW TO HAVE SEX” REVIEW

By Amanda Gilmore

Molly Manning Walker makes an exceptional, daring Feature directorial debut.

Three best friends, Tara (Mia McKenna-Bruce), Em (Enva Lewis) and Skye (Lara Peake) go on a vacation to a small town in Greece. The Brits plan this vacay to be what is typically called a rites-of-passage holiday — drinking, clubbing and hooking up. This should be the best summer of their lives but not for Tara.

We’re introduced to these three charismatic young women as they make their way to their hotel. The chemistry between the three actors is palpable. It’s a delight watching their first interaction with the receptionist. Lying through their teeth in order to get a pool-view room. It’s rare to see the openness with which they speak to each other on screen. They converse freely about which one of them will get laid the most. It’s here we learn that Tara is a virgin and is looking at this holiday as her chance of sealing the deal. They’re hilarious, complex, and authentic women on the cusp of adulthood.

Shortly after we become completely beguiled by the Trio, Manning Walker introduces us to the world they’ve entered. It’s one filled with a non-stop party clock and a sea of horny partygoers. Manning Walker’s unflinching direction takes us into this world. Each pool and party scene oozes with energy and unapologetic authenticity. So much so that you can smell the chlorine and sun tan lotion by the pool. And we can smell the stench of sweat and alcohol in those crowded parties filled with hard bodies.

The first half of How To Have Sex is filled with daring, raw scenes of rowdy behaviour. Manning Walker gives us the uncomfortable truth of what these types of holidays can be like. Not only for the girls but the neighbours they meet while there. But it’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt right? Few Filmmakers can master the tonal shift that happens in the second half of the Film. But Manning Walker can and exceeds this feat beyond limits.

The latter half of the Film delves deep into consent, particularly for people who have a 24-hour party clock. Once again, Manning Walker’s lens is raw and unflinching. However, this time it isn’t showing us the fun party lifestyle. Now she’s showing us the cruelty inflicted on Tara. From the moment the event happens, we stay with Tara and her state of mind. The parties are no longer fun. Her friends are irritating. Most heartbreakingly, we feel the misguided shame she feels.

This might be the most painful part of How To Have Sex. Manning Walker’s Script examines the stigma attached to this type of assault. It’s this stigma that makes survivors internalize their pain. The shame Tara feels is shown by her never telling anyone what happened, even her friends. These are the same friends she was tied at the hip to only a couple of days before. McKenna-Bruce gives a breakout performance that encapsulates the lively Tara before the horrific event and gives a heartrending performance as Tara battles her inner turmoil.

Overall, How To Have Sex is one of the best films of the year. We will be hearing the names Manning Walker and McKenna-Bruce for years to come.

How To Have Sex screens at Cannes ’23:

Fri May 19 at 1:30PM at DEBUSSY THEATRE

Sat May 20 at 8:30AM at DEBUSSY THEATRE

Sat May 20 at 5:30PM at CINEUM AURORE

Sun May 21 at 11AM at CINEUM SCREEN X

Sun May 21 at 4:30PM at LICORNE