How to have sex

content warning: rape and assault.

An incredible directorial debut, brought to us by established cinematographer Molly Manning Walker (Scrapper, Mood, Pram Snatcher), How to Have Sex is a deeply personal and emotional feature.

The Mubi release follows Tara on her girl’s holiday, that’s all about the obvious: drinking, partying and hooking up. What should be the best and most freeing holiday of her life is anything but.

Walker and Mia Mckenna Bruce (Tara) have given us a short but phenomenal film. Bruce’s performance showcasing her potential, giving a relatable and deeply felt performance in all aspects. The last scene in the airport sticking with us all after the film ends, the vulnerability that is shown, paired with the us leaving Tara only just accepting the reality of her assault adds to the blunt and trueness of the film.

Walker ends the film with the harsh reality for Tara, who had only just accepted what had happened to her, rather than the more clichéd “she has healed!” or the less optimistic “she’s healing”.  It is this unapologetic brutal truth of the film that makes it a standout. That nothing is instantaneous and being vulnerable with even the people you’re closest to, for Tara it being her friends, is overwhelmingly difficult.

Molly Manning Walker has created an unsettling, complex and sympathetic feature film that is impressive in direction, performance and writing. I know we all hope she will not step away from the director role for long. I trust that this is only the beginning for many challenging leading roles for Mia McKenna Bruce.

How to Have Sex, dir. Molly Manning Walker.

UK release: November 3rd 2023.

Only in cinemas.

Lara Edwards.