When you hear the title Sex, you might expect a provocative exploration of relationships and intimacy. Instead, the Norwegian film directed by Dag Johan Haugerud delivers a rather unsexy experience, reminiscent of the mumblecore movement—a genre that has seen better days. This film, currently playing in theatres in Israel, brings back the slow, dialogue-heavy storytelling that characterises this indie style. But does it succeed? Let’s dive in.
What is Mumblecore?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the film, let’s quickly recap what mumblecore is all about.
- Character-Driven: Focuses on characters and their emotional journeys.
- Naturalistic Dialogue: Often feels like real conversations, with all their awkwardness and pauses.
- Indie Spirit: Usually produced with low budgets, relying heavily on strong performances.
While mumblecore has produced some gems like Lena Dunham’s Tiny Furniture and Joe Swanberg’s Drinking Buddies, Sex struggles to find its footing.
The Premise: More Talk Than Action
In Sex, we follow two chimney sweeps—supervisor Thorbjorn Harr and his colleague Feier (Jan Gunnar Roise). The film kicks off with a bizarre dream involving David Bowie that sets the tone for their conversations about sexuality. You’d think a film titled Sex would dive into steamy scenarios, but instead, it opts for long discussions filled with hesitation and uncertainty.
Key Points:
- The main characters grapple with sudden feelings of attraction to men.
- Feier reveals he had sex with a male client, prompting deep conversations about identity and fidelity.
- The dialogue is primarily set in mundane locations, like breakrooms and rooftops.
While the initial premise sparks interest, it quickly becomes clear that much of the film is devoted to conversations that feel drawn out and unengaging.
The Characters: Relatable Yet Mundane
The film’s characters, while portrayed as real people, often fall into tedious patterns of dialogue. The chemistry is there, but the conversations don’t always lead anywhere substantial.
- Feier’s Wife: After his revelation, she grapples with feelings of betrayal and confusion, leading to her own journey of self-discovery.
- The Supervisor: His son feels inadequate and harbours dreams of becoming a successful YouTuber, which adds another layer to the narrative.
Though these subplots offer glimpses into their lives, they do little to elevate the film beyond its initial premise.
Dialogue: The Double-Edged Sword
Mumblecore films thrive on dialogue, and while Sex aims for authenticity, the execution falters.
- Real Conversations: The film captures the awkwardness of genuine conversations.
- Repetitive Themes: Discussions often circle back to the same points, making them feel monotonous.
If you’ve ever sat in on a poorly executed acting class where improvisation takes centre stage, you’ll understand the film’s struggle. What could have been insightful dialogue often devolves into tedious exchanges.
The Result: A Dull Experience
For a film exploring themes of sexuality and identity, Sex lacks the urgency and excitement you might expect.
- Nearly Two Hours Long: The pacing feels sluggish, with drawn-out scenes that could use a sharper edit.
- Missed Opportunities: With a title like Sex, one would hope for a more dynamic exploration of relationships.
If you were to overhear these conversations in real life, you’d likely zone out and return to your phone or book—this film feels like a long bus ride with no destination in sight.
Conclusion: Is It Worth Your Time?
While Sex attempts to tackle important themes, it ultimately falls short.
- Realistic Yet Boring: The dialogue feels genuine, but it lacks the depth and engagement to keep viewers invested.
- Mumblecore’s Challenges: It’s a reminder that just because something feels real, doesn’t mean it’s compelling.
If you’re keen on exploring character-driven narratives, you might find something of value here. But if you’re looking for an engaging portrayal of sexuality, you might want to skip this one.
