Films that explore themes of sexuality often delve into the complexities of human sexual behavior, preferences, orientation, and identity. They can tackle the subject from various perspectives, including psychological, social, ethical, and philosophical. These films may portray the journey of characters exploring their sexuality, confronting societal norms, or dealing with the consequences of their sexual choices. They can range from dramatic to comedic, and are often considered important for their role in fostering discussions about a topic that is fundamental to human existence yet frequently considered taboo.
Here are several films that engage with themes of sexuality:
“Call Me by Your Name”, 2017
Director: Luca Guadagnino
Set in 1980s Italy, this film is a coming-of-age story about 17-year-old Elio Perlman and his romantic relationship with his father's 24-year-old graduate-student assistant, Oliver. It explores the complexities of first love and sexual awakening.
Starring: Armie Hammer, Timothée Chalamet, Michael Stuhlbarg, Amira Casar, Esther Garrel, Victoire Du Bois, Vanda Capriolo, Antonio Rimoldi, Elena Bucci, Marco Sgrosso;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 132 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
More information about the film “Call Me by Your Name” on the website imdb.com
“Brokeback Mountain”, 2005
Director: Ang Lee
Directed by Ang Lee, this film is a romantic drama that centers on the complex and emotional relationship between two American cowboys, Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist, over several decades.
Starring: Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Randy Quaid, Michelle Williams, Anne Hathaway, Linda Cardellini, Anna Faris, David Harbour, Kate Mara, Graham Beckel;
Production year: 2005;
Genre: western, melodrama, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 134 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “Brokeback Mountain” on the website imdb.com
“Moonlight”, 2016
Director: Barry Jenkins
This Academy Award-winning film tells the story of Chiron, a young African-American man coming of age in Miami and grappling with his identity and sexuality. The narrative is divided into three stages of his life: childhood, adolescence, and early adult life.
Starring: Alex R. Hibbert, Ashton Sanders, Trevante Rhodes, Naomie Harris, Janelle Monae, Mahershala Ali, Jaden Piner, Jharrel Jerome, André Holland, Patrick Decile;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 110 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “Moonlight” on the website imdb.com
“The Danish Girl”, 2015
Director: Tom Hooper
Based on a true story, this biographical drama depicts the life of Lili Elbe, one of the first known recipients of sex reassignment surgery. The film focuses on her journey as a transgender pioneer and her relationship with her wife Gerda Wegener.
Starring: Eddie Redmayne, Alicia Vikander, Matthias Schoenaerts, Ben Whishaw, Amber Heard, Sebastian Koch, Emerald Fennell, Adrian Schiller, Henry Pettigrew, Tusse Silberg;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: drama, crime, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 119 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “The Danish Girl” on the website imdb.com
“Boys Don't Cry”, 1999
Director: Kimberly Peirce
A biographical film that tells the real-life story of Brandon Teena, a transgender man navigating love and life in rural Nebraska, facing prejudice and tragedy.
Starring: Hilary Swank, Chloë Sevigny, Peter Sarsgaard, Brendan Sexton III, Alicia Goranson, Alison Folland, Jeanetta Arnette, Rob Campbell, Matt McGrath, Cheyenne Rushing;
Production year: 1999;
Genre: drama, melodrama, crime, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 114 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “Boys Don't Cry” on the website imdb.com
“Carol”, 2014
Director: Todd Haynes
In this romantic drama set in the 1950s, a young photographer develops an intimate relationship with an older woman who is going through a difficult divorce, exploring the themes of forbidden love and societal expectations.
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, Kyle Chandler, Sarah Paulson, Jake Lacy, John Magaro, Cory Michael Smith, Kevin Crowley, Nik Pajic, Carrie Brownstein;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 118 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
“Secretary”, 2001
Director: Steven Shainberg
A unique romantic comedy-drama that delves into the BDSM relationship between a troubled young woman and her demanding boss, exploring issues of power, submission, and personal transformation.
Starring: Maggie Gyllenhaal, James Spader, Jeremy Davies, Lesley Ann Warren, Stephen McHattie, Patrick Bauchau, Jessica Tuck, Oz Perkins, Amy Locane, Mary Joy;
Production year: 2001;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 107 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “Secretary” on the website imdb.com
“The Kids Are All Right”, 2010
Director: Lisa Cholodenko
This film centers on a lesbian couple and their teenage children who meet their sperm donor, presenting the dynamics of sexuality and family from a fresh, contemporary perspective.
Starring: Julianne Moore, Annette Bening, Mark Ruffalo, Mia Wasikowska, Josh Hutcherson, Yaya DaCosta, Kunal Sharma, Eddie Hassell, Zosia Mamet, Joaquín Garrido;
Production year: 2010;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 106 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
More information about the film “The Kids Are All Right” on the website imdb.com
“Shortbus”, 2006
Director: John Cameron Mitchell
A sexually charged comedy-drama set in a New York City salon, showcasing a group of characters navigating relationships and diverse sexual experiences.
Starring: Paul Dawson, Lindsay Beamish, Adam Hardman, Sook-Yin Lee, Raphael Barker, Peter Stickles, PJ DeBoy, David Pittu, Jeff Whitty, Mickey Cottrell;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
Age: 18+;
Duration: 101 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,4;
More information about the film “Shortbus” on the website imdb.com
These films depict sexuality in its myriad forms, challenging viewers to consider the depth and variety of human sexual experience. They often evoke empathy, introspection, and discussion about the ever-evolving landscape of human sexuality.
In the final analysis, films about sexuality offer a diverse and complex mosaic of human experience, reflecting on the most profound and intimate aspects of our lives through the lens of cinema. From the early days of film to the present, these works have played a pivotal role in challenging taboos, shaping cultural attitudes, and inciting discourse on what it means to love, desire, and be human. They serve to mirror the evolving conversations of society, acting as both historical records and harbingers of change. Masters of the medium such as Ang Lee with “Brokeback Mountain,” Pedro Almodóvar with his passionate explorations of desire, and Abdellatif Kechiche with the raw intensity of “Blue Is the Warmest Color,” have taken the audience on deep emotional journeys, unearthing the layers of sexuality with artistry and sensitivity. The exploration of sexuality in film will undoubtedly continue to captivate and provoke audiences, creating a never-ending dialogue between the screen and the self about our most secretive and shared experiences.
